A scheme has been approved by Thanet council cabinet members which will see the introduction of a new resident only parking scheme at five seasonal car parks across Thanet.

The plan, which will come into action by the end of July until October 31, will operate in the following car parks: Albion Street, Chandos Square, Broadstairs Harbour, and Joss Bay, Broadstairs and Marine Esplanade, Ramsgate.

In future years, the scheme will run between April 1 and October 31.

This will mean a fall in daily charges which currently stand at £12 to £2.50 per day for residents.

Residents will also be able to buy a book of 20 vouchers for £40, which further reduces the daily charge to £2.00 per day.

Cllr Suzanne Brimm, Cabinet Member for Operational Services at Thanet District Council, said: “As part of our extensive review of parking across the district, we welcomed comments from the public over a six week period and are grateful to those who submitted their views.

“These responses reinforce the need to introduce an amended scheme which protects our residents and local businesses and ensures any impact on them is kept to a minimum.

"We hope that by responding to feedback from residents, the new scheme will encourage those who often visit our local shops, attractions and beaches to continue to regularly do so.”

The proposals went to an Extraordinary Cabinet meeting last night and were approved.

Vouchers will initially be available via the Gateway and tourist information centres, before an on-line ordering system is introduced.

A TDC spokesman said: "Following the Cabinet decision last night, the operational aspects of the scheme are currently being finalised and worked through before the scheme is implemented."

Applicants will need to show local authority residency to qualify for the new parking voucher scheme.

This scheme will operate in the same way as the on-street parking peel and seal voucher scheme.