Seaside parking report
Published
Monday 3 March, 2025
Updated
Monday 3 March, 2025
Swale Borough Council is set to discuss proposed solutions to parking issues at Shingle Bank and Shellness Road, following extensive public consultation.
More than 1,200 responses have informed a report that will be presented to the Community and Leisure Committee on Wednesday, 5 March, outlining potential changes to address overnight and long-term parking problems.
The report recommends implementing overnight parking charges for all vehicles at both locations, which was the most supported option among consultation respondents at both sites.
As well as the introduction of parking charges, the council is also considering the implementation of CCTV cameras for anti-social behaviour enforcement and deterrence, increased general enforcement, improved signage, and traffic restrictions.
The consultation was carried out in response to concerns from residents and visitors about the negative impact of overnight and long-term parking, including litter and anti-social behaviours.
Previous measures, such as width restrictions at Shingle Bank and bollards at Shellness, have helped reduce vehicle numbers, but problems have persisted.
Vandalism, including the removal of metal posts reinforcing the width restrictions, has also been a challenge.
Cllr Elliott Jayes, vice chair of the Community and Leisure Committee, said:
“The remarkable level of public engagement demonstrates the significance of overnight and long-term parking at Shingle Bank and Shellness to the people of Swale.
“Our officers have used this valuable feedback to develop a proposed plan to address the misuse of these coastal parking areas, which will now be discussed by the committee.
“The overwhelming preference for overnight parking charges, if approved, will enable us to fund essential repairs, additional CCTV, and enhanced enforcement, ensuring responsible enjoyment of our beautiful coastline for everyone.”
You can read the seaside parking report here.
