“I can’t afford the hit”

Plans to increase parking permit fees in Rye have been attacked by a carer who lives in the Citadel and parks on Watchbell Street. He says he is being priced out of living in Rye and continuing with a job he loves.

As expected, plans to increase parking charges in Rye were agreed by Cllr Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport and environment, on Monday January 27. The proposals are to raise on-street parking charges along with a major overhaul of residents’ parking permits on Watchbell Street and Bridge Place, which currently cost £27 a year.

The carer, who didn’t want his name published, explained why he thought the proposed increases were unfair. “I am a care worker earning around £60 a day working with people with autism and complex needs. I get up first thing to drive to work to a place with no public transport. I get back at the end of the day hoping there will be a space free for me that night. Now I’m going to be expected to work a week just pay to park at home. I could never afford that sort of hit. My only option would be to sell up and move.”

The new scheme could significantly increase costs for many permit holders. Only those with very low emission vehicles (emitting 100g/km or less of CO2) would pay less than a current permit holder, with a 12-month permit costing just £17. Vehicles with emissions above this would pay at least £60 for a 12-month permit.

The top end costs of a 12-month permit would rise to £103, although this would only apply to vehicles which emit more than 185g/km of C02.

Parking meter at the top of East Street

Costs for business permits, visitor permits and second vehicles would also increase under the proposed scheme.

Emissions-based costs would not apply to disabled parking permits, however, which would be set at a flat rate of £7 for 12 months.

One alternative to increasing residents’ permit fees should be charging visitors more said the carer. “I don’t know how many Airbnbs and day visitors there are in total now but it goes up and up. I suspect the owners would agree they should pay more to run their businesses. It’s symptomatic of a lack of sound commercial business sense when exploiting the Citadel in Rye. It’s a free for all. In Canterbury you now pay £3.70 or more per hour for parking. You are also charged to visit heritage sites there including the cathedral. Rye is a cheap touch. It’s free! You go to many places and chances are you’ll have to pay a restoration levy. East Sussex and Rother councils are failing to do right by residents and instead look to them as an easier source of revenue.”

Cllr Dowling also signed off on increases in pay and display parking tariffs. The cost of one-hour of on-street parking in both Battle and Rye will increase from 45p to 70p.

The carer who contacted Rye News has this final message for those in charge of Rye parking. “Put the car parking charges up in Watchbell Street and my life here will be over. And my employer will be looking once again for anyone to work there, just at a time when council funding for their services is being cut.”

Image Credits: Leonard Bentley CC , Nick Forman .

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