Ramsgate Town Council Considers Free Saturday Parking Proposal

Ramsgate Town Council has recently discussed a proposal to fund free Saturday parking at the Royal Harbour Multi-Storey Car Park on Leopold Street. The aim was to support local businesses and encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Local traders have shared positive feedback, saying that free parking in the past made a real difference to their business. Many reported higher footfall and better trading on Saturdays when free parking was available.

However, the cost of providing free parking for a year (just Saturdays) is estimated at around £50,000.00 – the amount Thanet District Council would lose in income. This is a significant sum for the Town Council to pay for 52 Saturdays, and Thanet District Council cannot absorb this loss without compensation.

Because of these financial pressures, Ramsgate Town Council will not be progressing this idea at this time, although it may be reconsidered in the future.

In the meantime, residents and visitors are reminded that there is free parking every Saturday at Cannon Road Car Park. Ramsgate Town Council encourages everyone to take advantage of this and continue supporting local businesses.