From today, Monday 9 November 2026, residents can apply for a Walpole Bay Promenade parking permit.
Led by Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community, the council has found a way forward that accommodates regular visitors to the tidal pool. As a result, a new temporary parking permit scheme for an area of the lower promenade adjacent to the pool has been set up.
The new permit scheme will run until Wednesday 31 March 2027. The permits are valid for parking between 6am and 6pm. Drivers who hold a blue badge do not need a permit and can park with their badge clearly displayed.
Cllr Heather Keen said: “Thanet District Council recognises the importance of Walpole Bay Tidal Pool as a free space where many people connect with nature. There is also a thriving community around the pool, many of whom love to swim there all year round.
“In the summer, the promenade is busy with walkers and cyclists making the most of the coastline. The high volume of cars created safety risks for people on foot and bikes. In addition, unauthorised vehicles with people camping overnight put the cleanliness of the sea and the Seaside Award at risk. As a result, the council had to enforce rules to stop vehicles parking on the lower promenade. This was done under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The PSPO is intended as a way to help the council keep shared spaces safe for everyone to enjoy.
“The council has an obligation to prioritise public safety, but is keen to find solutions that balance that requirement with the needs of local residents. Now that summer has passed, fewer people are walking on the lower promenade. The council has listened to the local people who use the pool during the colder months.”
Public safety remains the driving factor in this decision, therefore the temporary permits will be limited in number to 50. They will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost to applicants.
While the permits are open to all, they are intended for people who need help to access the promenade at Walpole Bay. Where possible, people are encouraged to car share, helping to minimise the number of vehicles in the area and to protect the local environment.
Applications can be made online: https://form.thanet.gov.uk/walpole-bay-promenade-authorised-parking/
Safety is the main priority for the council. Any driver who causes a blockage or parks without permission may still be liable for offences relating to obstruction or dangerous parking.
For three to four weeks over the winter, the pool will close for maintenance. Timings will be weather and tide dependent. Essential repair work on the sea wall is also underway. The sea wall repairs are scheduled for completion by Monday 14 December 2026. In the spring, building work will start to restore the cliff lift and café. All parking must therefore end on Wednesday 31 March 2027 so contractors can work safely.
