A petition signed by more than 3,000 people against new parking charges was handed over to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) on Tuesday.

Under changes proposed in an annual review, the council plans to scrap free three-hour parking at the popular short-stay car park behind Tesco in West Malling.

In a passionate address to members gathered in Kings Hill, West Malling parish councillor Richard Selkirk highlighted the importance of free parking to the town’s vibrant high street.

He said: “West Malling Parish Council fully understands the financial landscape in which public bodies operate.

“We know that savings have to be made, more efficient ways of delivering key services developed, and we are keen to work with you to do this.

“In fact, we have already shown our commitment to this by offering £15,000 to fund improved parking enforcement. This is money that is available now. We know that we need to do things differently and this is a demonstration of our commitment.

“You can see the intense negative impact this will have on us. We rely on our visitors, and it is these and the businesses that serve them that are hurt the most by the proposal.”

However, TMBC leader Nicolas Heslop (Con) stressed that the proposals, for charges of 30p for half hour and 60p for an hour, constitute a measured solution.

Currently, the council spends about £44,000 annually on maintaining the service.

Previous attempts to impose limits on people misusing the car park have failed.

Studies in other towns concluded that charging had not harmed trading, he said.

He agreed with the recommendations of the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board that the time for charging in the High Street car park had arrived.

“We have the petition before us and await the outcome of the formal consultation on a charging regime,” added Cllr Heslop.

A final decision will be considered by cabinet alongside the results of the formal consultation on Tuesday March 22.

For more information, visit www.tmbc.gov.uk.