A bid to sharply increase the cost of residential parking permits for Tonbridge and Malling could see homeowners with three or more vehicles paying £135 a year.

Tonbridge and Malling council's six-person cabinet have this week unanimously agreed to publish a major public consultation concerning a borough-wide review on parking charges, which could see a sharp increase in costs for households with more than three vehicles.

Several concerns were raised from members of all political parties, including the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Green Party, during the extaordinary cabinet meeting at West Malling's Gibson Building, but most notably over the potential rising residential permit costs.

Householders who own four cars could face an annual charge of £135 from April 2020, marking more than a three-fold increase from the current £40.

The cost of a single vehicle permit, last increased in 2016, is due to rise from £40 to £45 a year, but householders could pay £90 for three vehicles or £45 for those with two cars.

Council leader Nicholas Heslop (Con) said he hoped the proposed permit charges would "regulate" and "reduce" the levels of car ownership while also promoting the use of public transport and other means of travelling.

But, the Green Party expressed fears over the financial harm to lower-income families. Cllr Mark Hood (Green) said: "It seems unfair that the children will have to bear the brunt of the proposed charges."

KMTV's video report on the proposed changes

His colleague, Cllr April Clark (Green), also told the cabinet she was worried the new fees would "disproportionately" affect lower-earning households.

The two members suggested amending the proposal which would see the charges based around personal car ownership rather than per household.

However, Cllr David Lettington (Con), cabinet member for strategic planning and infrastructure, played down the potential financial hit on young drivers, saying: "The family charge would likely be paid for by mum and dad."

Cllr Heslop added: "There are people who don't make use of their drives and are quite happy to park on the street, so in principle it's about reducing and regulating car parking usage."

The council leader also said that Tonbridge and Malling council would be adopting an "effective" model put forward by Sevenoaks District Council, but also stressed to await the views of residents in the public consultation.

Conservative cabinet members lauded plans to halve the cost of permits for registered carers, from £50 to £25, after recognising the crucial role in supporting vulnerable members of the community.

Other concerns raised in the meeting related to the introduction of car parking charges at existing free car parks, such as Larkfield's Martin Square, and the rising fees for short stay parking in West Malling.

The other main changes proposed include a freeze in charges for a 30-minute stay and increases of between 10p and 80p for longer stays.

If approved, the rises are due to take effect from April 2020.

Free parking is likely to continue to operate in town centre council car parks on Sundays and bank holidays and could be extended for the first time to those attending monthly blood donor sessions at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge.

New and existing car park charges will be open to public comment from January 17 to February 9.

A separate three-week consultation on changes to on-street parking will open on March 13.

Parking permits for residents in Canterbury could also increase as part of a radical shake-up in a bid to ensure the district meets its climate change declaration.

It comes after plans to double daily parking charges in some residential areas of Medway sparked protests.

• How much is a parking permit where you live?

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