Warning to 550,000 Brits over looming ‘doomsday date’ when parking charges will SKYROCKET for petrol & diesel drivers
PARKING charges are set to rise for drivers in a major part of Britain in a warning to some 550,000 motorists.
Vehicle owners in East Sussex have been told they have less than 60 days to prepare for a new ruling that will force them to pay more - depending on the type of vehicle they drive.
The changes, brought in by East Sussex County Council, could impact many of the county’s 550,000 residents, with plans to target owners of petrol and diesel vehicles with higher charges.
The changes, effective from 2 April 2025, described by some as the 'doomsday date', will see new parking permits designed to impose higher fees on vehicles that emit more pollution, along with varying rates based on location and duration of stay.
In addition to increased hourly charges, the cost of resident, visitor, and business permits will rise, with adjustments also affecting discounts for disabled motorists and low-emission vehicles.
Higher-polluting vehicles will face charges ranging from £7 for Blue Badge holders to as much as £140 annually, while owners of lower-emitting vehicles will pay much less, with costs starting at just £17 per year.
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Business permits will also be subject to hikes, with fees rising from between £154 and £590 annually, depending on emissions output.
However, businesses operating electric vehicles will see more modest increases, with costs rising from £108 to £140 for a 12-month period.
On-street parking charges will also increase, ranging from 70p to £2.70 per hour, depending on the location.
As reported by , a spokesperson for East Sussex County Council said: "When the county council took over responsibility for on-street parking in Rother in 2020, charges were set at a lower level and have not changed significantly since.
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“This reduces the influence that the charges have on travel choices.”
The council added that the primary aim of the increased charges for petrol and diesel vehicles is to improve air quality in the region.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed.
One local resident said: "If you make parking more expensive, who is going to come to Eastbourne when you can shop at The Crumbles for free?
“Eastbourne needs more visitors, not fewer."
Another said: "I’d love to get a job in the town centre, but there’s nowhere you can realistically park all day in town anymore.”
Councillor Claire Dowling believes the new charges will help manage demand in the region and reduce congestion.
She said: "When the county council took over responsibility for on-street parking in Rother in 2020, charges were set at a lower level and have not changed significantly since."
At a recent council meeting, Councillor Ian Hollidge questioned how increasing prices for residents would promote sustainable transport.
He asked what evidence there was to prove the effectiveness of similar measures in Lewes, Hastings, or Eastbourne, and whether Rother truly has an air quality problem "that can be addressed by increasing fees."
Hollidge said: "These price increases will affect Bexhill the most.
“These are above-inflation increases, and they’re being justified by comparing [prices] with Lewes, Eastbourne, and Hastings.
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"I think we all support equality, but should we not focus on ensuring equality by bringing Wealden into [Civil Parking Enforcement]?
“The way it’s working at the moment means Bexhill residents are paying more to subsidise bus services in Wealden. Is that fair and is that equal?"