Parking charges have been brought in at a controversial £40 million railway station, sparking claims it will result in “even fewer people” using it.

It now costs £5.10 a day to leave your car in the previously free spaces at Thanet Parkway, in Cliffsend near Ramsgate.

Barry Lewis, county councillor for nearby Margate, says passenger numbers will dwindle now they have to pay to use the almost 300-space car park.

The Labour representative said: “It doesn’t make sense to use it.

“People are not going to drive out and pay for fuel on top of the charges.

“They were only using it instead of the town centre stations because of the free parking.

“The only people who are going to use it now are those who already live nearby in Cliffsend.”

Cllr Lewis also pointed out that parking at Minster station – which is less than three miles away – is free.

He added: “There is no proper security either, so what are people paying £5.10 for?

“It has CCTV cameras, but they don’t stop crime, they just record it.”

The councillor has long been a critic of the site and claimed it would be a “muggers’ paradise” due to the lack of staff.

A report on the progress of Thanet Parkway was discussed at Kent County Council’s overview and scrutiny committee in November.

In regards to parking, the report states: “Car park occupancy will be measured following the installation of ANPR cameras.

“Current spot counts estimate between 50-70 vehicles per day using the station.

“This is a utilisation rate of 17-24% and is expected to increase as the summer holiday period ends.”

Local Sara Austin took to social media after charges came into place this week saying: “Thanet Parkway parking fees have started. It’s £5.10 a day! What a joke.

“I'll be avoiding this now.”

Some pointed out that other car parks in the district are more expensive.

For example, leaving your car at Margate Harbour costs £10.80 for just four hours in the summer season, and £6 in winter.

James Belchem said: “They were always scheduled to be introduced. It’s a pretty fair price for a day.”

At Thanet Parkway, the price for leaving your car at the station is £5.10 a day on peak, £4.60 for 24 hours after 2.30pm, and £2.50 a day after 6pm.

Parking seasonal tickets are available, ranging from £22 a week to £840 for a year.

Gareth Pepin said: “That’s the same as every other station - so not bad. We were lucky to have it free for a few months.”

But Laura-Jane Yates said: “Don’t you think that with the cost of train tickets, parking should be free as a customer?”

Parking is still free for 40 minutes, so commuters can be picked up or dropped off.

Thanet Parkway has long been a source of controversy, with people calling it a “white elephant” and a waste of money.

Others note its proximity to Ramsgate station, from which the journey to London is only three minutes slower.

But rail bosses say it will “improve rail connectivity between east Kent, London and the wider region”, and “boost the Kent economy by supporting connections to new housing and new business and job opportunities”.

Kent County Council is responsible for managing the parking spaces but enforcement of fees is outsourced to Euro Parking Services.

A spokesman for the council said: “Free parking at the new Thanet Parkway was an introductory offer.

“We have now introduced a range of charges that are in line with nearby stations, such as Ramsgate.”