Today (Monday 18th July) East Sussex County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Environment, agreed that the Millbrook Hill car parks on the side of the A22 between Nutley and Wych Cross could be included within the Conservator’s parking charges area.
As part of these plans the car park is expected to be upgraded with new surfacing and line painting (see diagram). At the same time, it was agreed another car park, known locally as the Vachery car park, will be closed.
The income from the Millbrook Hill car parks would be shared on an equal basis between the Conservators and the Council. The Council’s share of the income stream would contribute to the cost of maintenance of the Millbrook car parks. For more information see the report to the Lead member for Transport and Environment – 18th July 22 (item 5).
The Conservators of the Ashdown Forest have published an update on introduction of the car park charging scheme.
Horizon Parking Ltd has been awarded the contract to manage the scheme. The Conservators have said Horizon have a significant presence in the South East and have been supporting Epping Forest with their parking scheme from May 2021. Horizon have recently advertised for a member of staff to patrol and monitor the car parks.
They expect to introduce the payment scheme by late August once the required administrative process has been completed. Planning permission will be needed from Wealden District Council to erect signs and install payment machines in the car parks.
The tariffs for parking have been finalised:
| Duration | Fees |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £2.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | £2.50 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.00 |
| All Day | £5.00 |
| Annual Pass (cover two cars) | £80.00 |
| Winter Pass (October to March) | £50.00 |
Fees include transaction costs associated with purchasing parking tickets and passes. Tariffs will apply to all vehicles, including motorcycles, and will apply from 6am to midnight. Parking is not permitted on the Forest between midnight and 6am (in accordance with Ashdown Forest Byelaws).
It is understood there will be a grace period of 15 minutes.
Concessions
Households or individuals that receive Universal Credit, income support or pension support will be able to apply for a concession. Forr those who qualify, a full day ticket will cost £1.00 and an annual pass will cost £5.00.
Blue badge holders will park for free.
Horse riders with licenses will not have to pay for parking, if they are with a horse box or trailer.
Article originally published on 15th July. Updated on 18th July with the Millbrook Hill information and again on 20th July with additional detail shared by the Conservators on their Facebook page.
There are thousands who are working but on very low wages, pensioners who do not to claim any extra due to pride. A very sad time.
So are you spoiling the look of the forest with double yellow lines then.
Could be interesting if Wealden DC refused planning permission for the signs and machines!!