Dartford will be one of the last local authorities in Kent to bring an end to free use of its car parks when charges return from 8am on Monday 20th July 2020.

by | Jul 11, 2020 | Dartford Council, Dartford News

Dartford will be one of the last local authorities in Kent to bring an end to free use of its car parks when charges return from 8am on Monday 20th July 2020. It follows a noticeable rise in commuter parking and a need to ensure that spaces are available for the growing number of local shoppers returning to the town.  From Monday 20th July residents, commuters and visitors will need to purchase a pay-and-display ticket or pay-by-phone or app before using council car parks.

Leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite said, “We took a decision early after lockdown to open up our car parks to help the large number of people working from home, caring for others or following health advice.  We’ve been in no hurry to end that arrangement but it’s now clear that there has been big shift in the reasons why people are using car parks as more of us return to work.  It’s important that shoppers heading into Dartford don’t find spaces taken by all-day parking. Bringing back the charges will help to prioritise shopper and visitor parking. We hope the extended period of free parking has been useful but commuter and long-stay parking will now need to return to appropriate parking places. “

Jeremy confirmed that for the time being special consideration will continue to be given to front line NHS employees whilst carrying out duties around the town although this will be reviewed regularly if Covid-19 cases continue to fall.   If you are a front line NHS employee and receive a Penalty Charge Notice please contact Parking Services at Dartford Borough Council on 01322 343434 or e-mail parking.services@dartford.gov.uk.

Car park users who may be limiting their use of coins and notes during the outbreak are reminded that our RingGo payment system operates across the Borough. Car park users can use the RingGoapp or call 01322 917527. 

r parking and a need to ensure that spaces are available for the growing number of local shoppers returning to the town.  From Monday 20th July residents, commuters and visitors will need to purchase a pay-and-display ticket or pay-by-phone or app before using council car parks.

Leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite said, “We took a decision early after lockdown to open up our car parks to help the large number of people working from home, caring for others or following health advice.  We’ve been in no hurry to end that arrangement but it’s now clear that there has been big shift in the reasons why people are using car parks as more of us return to work.  It’s important that shoppers heading into Dartford don’t find spaces taken by all-day parking. Bringing back the charges will help to prioritise shopper and visitor parking. We hope the extended period of free parking has been useful but commuter and long-stay parking will now need to return to appropriate parking places. “

Jeremy confirmed that for the time being special consideration will continue to be given to front line NHS employees whilst carrying out duties around the town although this will be reviewed regularly if Covid-19 cases continue to fall.   If you are a front line NHS employee and receive a Penalty Charge Notice please contact Parking Services at Dartford Borough Council on 01322 343434 or e-mail parking.services@dartford.gov.uk.

Car park users who may be limiting their use of coins and notes during the outbreak are reminded that our RingGo payment system operates across the Borough. Car park users can use the RingGoapp or call 01322 917527. 

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