Parking charges to be introduced at country parks

Parking charges are set to be brought in at Medway's country parks, from Monday, 2 September.

The charges will be introduced at Capstone and Riverside Country Parks, raising funds for potential improvements around Medway such as highways maintenance and investment in Medway Council's highly valued parks and greenspaces.

The new fee to park all day at both country parks will be £2.50 for cars and £9 for coaches, while blue badge holders can continue to park for free.

An annual Country Parks car park season ticket, valid at any car park at all country parks, may be purchased for £60, equating to just 17p per day - ideal for regular users.

The charges, agreed earlier this year by Medway Council's Cabinet, will bring Medway in line with the approach taken by other authorities to charge for parking in country parks, whilst also providing a valuable new income stream to help address budget challenges.

Visitors will be able to pay by using cash, card, contactless, or the RingGo parking app.

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration, said: "Medway's Country Parks are an amazing asset and these new charges will help maintain these fantastic spaces for everyone - whether for our own Medway residents or visitors from further afield. Charging for parking is common practice at country parks around Kent and the rest of the country and the new fees will reflect the value we place on our parks here in Medway."

Find out more about parking in Medway at www.Medway.gov.uk/Parking

Find out more about Medway's parks at www.Medway.gov.uk/Parks