New permit scheme will deliver 'fairer parking in Eastbourne'

For many years, the council has subsidised parking for residents in Eastbourne and will continue to discount the price of permits for the Beachy Head and other downland car parks - just £100 for 12 months.

The permits are optional - paying by the hour remains available - and offer an additional way of paying for parking. For people who use the council's car parks regularly, there are significant savings to be made.

The introduction of the scheme follows a wide-ranging consultation that nearly 1,400 people and organisations responded to.

Councillor Colin Swansborough, Cabinet Member for Community Spaces, said:

"We've listened carefully to the views of our residents and businesses and brought in a scheme that will deliver fairer parking in Eastbourne.    

"It is also more financially sustainable for the council at a time when finances for public services are under so much pressure."

The price of the permit is based on the cost of parking for one hour per day in one of our off-street car parks - an approach to permit pricing that is widely used across local authorities.

The proposed annual seasonal permit cost in Eastbourne is £100 to £1,400, which compares favourably with other councils, such as with Hastings - £70 to £1,040 and Horsham - £1,008 to £1,588.

Councillor Swansborough added:

"While the public consultation has ended, we remain in listening mode and are determined to maintain the fairest and most competitive parking for our residents.

"To that extent, we have also worked closely with community groups that use the seafront car parks regularly, including the Eastbourne Parade Bowls Club and Royal Sovereign Bowls Club,and have offered a further discount for their members. We continue to discuss the new scheme with other clubs and appropriate groups about similar discounts, and are willing to do so for any other community groups. Please do get in touch."

Pay and display parking is not changing, it continues to be available for anyone without a permit.   Additionally, there are no changes for Blue Badge holders who will continue to be able to park in any council-run pay and display car park free of charge for a limited period.

The new permit scheme replaces the expired Leisure Card immediately, and the bowls club and seafront permits following their expiry dates.  The new permits will be available to purchase from June 18 via www.myringo.co.uk .

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