Traders fear a controversial move to hike some car parking charges by almost 40% will “kill” local businesses.

Long-stay parking in Sandwich and Deal is set to jump from £10.80 to £15 for five to 10 hours - while the hourly rate at most short-stay sites will rise from £1.80 to £2.

The changes were voted through by Dover District Council’s cabinet this week, but must still be reviewed by the authority’s overview and scrutiny committee on Monday.

Carole George, secretary of civic group Sandwich Town Team, says local traders are deeply concerned.

“They say they are already struggling with footfall in the town and that these proposed increases will kill Sandwich," she told KentOnline.

“The local businesses will no longer be able to trade, as people use online shopping, Westwood Cross, or anywhere where there is free parking.

“This will mean more empty shops and actually less revenue for the district council.

“Our group has spent many years attempting to promote Sandwich, support our local businesses and encourage tourism – and we are outraged by this.

“I can tell you that our businesses are devastated by this news, as are many of the local people who live outside the town centre.”

The Town Team also warns that the new fees will impact employees who commute to Sandwich and need long-term parking during work hours.

Joe Quinn, who runs T R & C Carpenter ironmongers in Cattle Market, fears the hikes could be the final blow for struggling traders.

“It’s ridiculous. With such a small town that’s already struggling to get trade or footfall, it’s choking us. I don’t really see any need for it,” he said.

“It’s already a nightmare to park here. It’s already expensive, and to put the prices up even more is just going to deter people.

“A lot of the local traders have already noticed a drop in footfall, and this is only going to make it worse.”

The changes will also see maximum stays being cut from 10 hours to three in Sandwich’s Guildhall car park, and Deal’s Beach Street and Union Road sites.

In Deal, the upper time limit in South Street and Stanhope Road will drop from four hours to three, while at Deal Town Hall it will increase from two hours to three.

The first hour of parking at short-stay sites will remain at £1.80, but increase to £2 per hour between two and four hours.

Peter Jull, of the Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade, expects traders in his town to unite with Sandwich in opposition.

“The report on which this decision was made was deeply flawed,” he said.

“The maximum-stay periods and hours during which charges apply are as equally unhelpful as the prices.

“When the Chamber meets on Monday, it is likely that a coordinated response with Sandwich will be agreed.”

Other car parks affected include The Quay and Gazen Salts in Sandwich, and Middle Street, Tides Leisure Centre and West Street in Deal.

If given final sign-off, the new charges are expected to come into effect in July or August.

No similar increases are planned for Dover itself. The council says this is due to findings from a comprehensive review of parking demand across the district.

A spokesperson for Dover District Council said: “Following an independent review, as part of a comprehensive Dover District Parking Strategy, a number of recommendations were considered by cabinet.

“The review has taken a whole range of key factors into consideration, looking at supply and demand for parking spaces as the district continues to plan for future growth.

“This includes comparison with other towns, assessing how parking needs in each area can be met, and full consideration of feedback from our communities, including a workshop with town and parish councils and a detailed parking survey.”

The previous parking strategy was conducted more than 10 years ago.

The council argues the increased fees and reduced time limits aim to boost turnover in car parks, enabling more people to visit towns like Deal and Sandwich when parking demand is high.

And while the rates are going up, they are still a fraction of some of those charged elsewhere in Kent, with hourly fees in Whitstable and Canterbury now as high as £3.70.