East Sussex County Council is seeking views on the increase in parking charges

A consultation has been opened on possible changes to on-street parking charges in Rother.

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) said its proposals to increase on-street wages and display costs were aimed at managing parking demand and encouraging the use of more sustainable transport.

The proposals include changes to the cost of parking permits, with low-emission vehicles paying a lower fee.

Councilor Claire Dowling said: “Charging parking charges helps us manage demand and reduce traffic congestion, which has a positive impact on the local economy and air quality.”

Proposed increases in street rates vary depending on location and length of stay, but the increase in hourly rates across the district ranges from 25 cents to 85 cents, according to ESCC.

The council added that the cost of resident, visitor and business permits will also rise under the proposals, with discounts for disabled motorists and low-emission vehicles.

Parking revenues should cover the costs of management, enforcement and administration to ensure that no financial burden is passed on to ESCC taxpayers.

Any surplus will contribute to the supported bus network, Real Time Passenger Information signs, concessional bus fares and local transport scheme costs, the council said.

Ms Dowling added: “This consultation will help us understand whether proposed changes to on-street parking and permit charges could encourage people to use more sustainable forms of transport and more environmentally friendly vehicles.”

The consultation closes on November 29.