Council bosses admit it will be hard to enforce a new daily parking charge along a remote section of the Whitstable coast.

The authority’s transport chief says wardens are unlikely to make daily trips to a new tariffed zone in Faversham Road, Seasalter.

Councillors last week voted to introduce charges at the site despite dozens of objections.

The seaside spot is used regularly by walkers wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of the town’s main beaches, and now Canterbury City Council wants to monetise the site.

It is set to introduce a fixed £3 rate for weekends, and £1.50 for weekdays.

The authority says the charges, which would be in place between April and September, would not impact early morning walkers as the rate would be only be enforced from 10am until 4pm.

The proposals, however, have faced stiff opposition from residents who argue the sole method of payment on the RingGo app is prejudiced to those without a smartphone, or those who can’t find signal at the secluded spot.

Due to there being no ANPR technology at the site, enforcing the payment of the new parking charges will fall on the shoulders of the council’s wardens.

But speaking at last week’s regeneration committee, Richard Moore - head of transportation and environment - told councillors rule-breakers would be tough to catch.

“In all likelihood, this is a remote car park,” he said.

“It’s not going to be enforced on a daily basis.”

Cllr Neil Baker said motorists staying for a mere 10 or 15 minutes to enjoy a coffee at the Waldens of Seasalter shop would be “incredibly unlucky” to get caught out.

But he raised concerns over the impact the new charges will have on the Waldens business, which has been run by Peter Hague for the past 36 years.

As a result, the council has agreed to consider introducing 12 designated shop spaces, which will be free of charge for 30 minutes.

The rest of the “utterly appalling” pothole-ridden stretch will be tariffed.

Whitstable resident Ronald Elliot says the council must surely improve the surface of the 600-metre car park, or be liable to damages.

“The imposition of car parking fees on this rough piece of ground will mean the council will now need to maintain it in a fit condition,” he said.

“If it does not I can imagine motorists who damage their cars in the large potholes will be suing the council for damages. At present, motorists park at their own risk but if they are paying for the privilege then they will expect it to be safe.”

At Thursday’s meeting, Mr Moore suggested the authority will have to improve the site’s condition.

“The surface has to be safe, it has to be fit for purpose,” Mr Moore said.

“There shouldn’t be potholes or trip hazards.

“Obviously as soon as you start to charge, there is an expectation that it is to a higher standard.

“There is the onus on us to make it a better surface than it is at the moment.”

Costs for such work have not been allocated in the council’s budget.

The charges are set to be introduced this April.