Plans to make parents, teachers and other villagers pay for parking could be subject to a legal challenge, an MP has warned.

Tracey Crouch is vehemently opposed to bringing parking charges to Larkfield and Aylesford, which has been proposed by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

Aylesford's MP has written to the council's chief executive this week, warning the council's scheme might not be legal.

In a letter to Julie Beilby she wrote: "The 2018 Parking Review does not include the introduction of charges to the Bailey Bridge or Martin Square car parks, therefore it could be argued that the council has not followed the guidance to 'good decision making' as per the advice from the Government's Legal Department, the Traffic Management Act 2004 or the Local Government Association guidance for consultation and thus could be subject to judicial review."

Ms Crouch said making Larkfield visitors pay for parking at Martin Square could deter customers from using local shops and Larkfield Library.

She addded: "I am also concerned about the impact on those, including the elderly, who are registered at Thornhills Medical Practice and Health Centre.

"The site is extremely busy given the range of health services, including general practice, pre and post-natal services and dentistry to name just three, but only has a small car park.

"Those associated with the practice believe that a part of the original planning process for the centre, there was a condition that the main car park would remain free, as clearly practitioners were worried about the impact of charging on their patients."

She raised further concerns that introducing charges at both Bailey Bridge car parks would penalise parents taking their children to St Peter's CofE Primary School.

Under proposals they may have to around £78 a year just to bring their children to school, villagers would be charged £100 for an annual season ticket.

A spokesman for TMBC said: "We are in the early stages of consulting residents on these recommendations and will respond to Tracey Crouch setting out the full details of our approach. In the meantime we would encourage anyone with comments to take part and help shape our plans. We want to hear people’s views and any changes to the current proposals will be subject to a further consultation in the coming months."

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