Council announces plans to review parking in Thanet

Thanet District Council is excited to announce that Ethos Consultants, highway and transportation specialists, have been appointed to prepare a strategic review of parking across the district.

Following the review, a new Parking Strategy will be developed to set out the future of parking requirements for the whole of the district, balancing residents’ needs with growing visitor numbers.

Ethos Consultants will begin by analysing parking data and an engagement exercise will follow, to gather feedback from members of the public. This is anticipated to start in January 2024.

There will be 10 engagement events held during the development phase of the strategy. The sessions will be a mix of virtual and in person meetings, with some open to the general public. Targeted stakeholder sessions will also be held, involving local businesses and Councillors.

Details of the engagement events will be published early in the new year.

Once developed, the draft strategy will be presented to Cabinet for approval. 

Cabinet Member with responsibility for parking, Cllr Heather Keen, said: “We’re delighted that Ethos Consultants have chosen to work with the council on this activity. 

“Our current parking infrastructure requires improvement, including car parks and on street parking. Working with Ethos will provide the specialist support we need to progress this and to make confident decisions around future investment. 

“I would encourage local people to participate in our open engagement sessions when we begin the consultation. Understanding the needs of our customers is a priority to achieve a collaborative and joined up approach.”

Advances in technology mean there will be more options for parking payment and car park management in the future, which the council is keen to explore. 

Additionally the council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has pledged to tackle climate change. Car use is an important factor in climate change and air quality, and the council is looking into which greener transport options could be encouraged in the district.

The council is also keen to understand the interplay between car parks and its town centres and beaches to ensure that it can balance the differing needs of its many stakeholders.