A major review into parking in Folkestone town centre is being carried out and the public is being asked to take part.
Working with consultants SYSTRA, Folkestone & Hythe District Council is conducting an online survey until 29 April to find out if the current level of parking is meeting needs.
Meanwhile, face-to-face surveys will take place in the town centre on 22, 23, 24 and 26 April.
These will take up to five minutes to complete and no personal data will be collected. Respondents – who will be approached by surveyors with ID – will be asked to give the first half of their postcode to understand travel distances.
Various aspects will be explored as part of the review, including:
- How and when council-operated car parks and street parking are used.
- Controlled parking zones.
- Parking restrictions.
- Tariffs and payment options.
- Enforcement measures.
The review will take into account how new town centre developments already underway will affect demand, as well as those planned for the future.
Following the surveys, workshops will be held to look at the findings and agree next steps. These will include developing options and measures to address any parking options that are raised and emerging transport trends.
Cllr Ray Field, Cabinet Member for Transport and Digital Transformation, said: “By asking members of the public for their opinion, we will get a broader understanding of the way people travel and the way parking – and the town centre in general – is used.
“This is especially important as we look to create a vibrant and sustainable future for Folkestone town centre through the Place Plan.”The online survey is available here: Folkestone town centre parking – Folkestone & Hythe District Council (folkestone-hythe.gov.uk)