Parking charges across Ashford and Tenterden will increase for the first time in six years.

Tariffs in council-run car parks and on-street parking in Ashford and Tenterden increase from Saturday, April 1.

Those with season tickets or permits will not be affected by the increase.

Charges for short stay parking will rise by 10p per hour, bringing the majority of fares up to £1.10 per hour.

The tariff for the Civic Centre and Stour Centre car park will increase from 80p to £1.50 for the first two hours of parking.

The 80p charge was originally intended for people visiting the Customer Contact Centre, but permits are now available to customers who have booked an appointment with a customer service advisor.

Customers visiting the Civic Centre for a quick query are permitted to park in the 15 minute bay free of charge located near the entrance.

Members of the Stour Centre gym who pay for their membership via direct debit are still entitled to three hours free parking while they use the fitness facilities by purchasing a ticket then take it to the Stour Centre desk where they will receive a refund for up to three hours parking.

The decision to increase the tariffs was made by the council in June 2016, when money was put into parking services with 45 new parking terminals across Ashford and Tenterden.

Card and contactless technology will also soon be available at these machines.

The increase coincides with the introduction of the 12-sided £1 coin. Ticket machines will be modified to accept both the current and new £1 coins. This change will be made in April, the same time as the increase in parking charges.

The council will also continue providing free parking at certain times in select council car parks.

Parking is also free in pay and display parking bays in the High Street, North Street and Bank Street after 6pm from Monday to Saturday. In addition, parking is free all day on Sundays.

All council car parks and the town centre high streets are free to park in after 6pm.

Cllr Brad Bradford, Portfolio Holder for Highways, said: “This is the first time parking charges have increased in six years.

The tariffs not only reflect the current economic climate, but they are on par with neighbouring authorities’ rates.

“Any surplus generated helps to support council projects, which helps keep Ashford’s council tax the lowest in the county.

“As part of the council’s commitment to driving footfall into the town centre and supporting our local businesses, we continue to offer our residents and visitors free parking across the borough at certain times in select council-run car parks.”

Visit the Ashford Borough Council website for more information.