Evidence: Cranbrook residents, visitors, tourists and businesses SAY NO to car parking charges

What the local press say:

click on article to see full reports


Background to campaign:


Since the beginning of November 2009, this website has received over 30,000 visitors. It was originally built by the Weald Business Association (formerly known as the Cranbrook Business Association) to help determine local opinion as to whether Cranbrook in Kent should lose its free parking availability in the town's 3 car parks, along the High Street and in Stone Street.


In partnership  with the Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Parish Council the Weald Business Association has produced a summary review of local public and business opinion...

  • obtained by the Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Parish Council by means of a high street petition,
  • from personally written letters to the Parish Council,
  • through this website
  • and from responses to direct questionnaires sent to local businesses.

The resultant summary document was distributed (Feb 5th 2010) to the members of the TWBC Cabinet and all TW Borough Councillors, the new Chief Executive William Benson, KCC’s Roger Manning, Maidstone & the Weald MP Ann Widdecombe, Helen Grant  PPC for the Conservative Party and Peter Carroll PPC for the Liberal Democrats, the Weald Courier and the Kent Messenger.

Paddock Wood Development re Car Parking Proposals (Click on article to read more)


Summary (The Cranbrook View): 


 It is unmistakable from this far-reaching and eclectic survey of opinion that the introduction of car parking charges will have a detrimental and negative effect for the commercial viability of Cranbrook. The impact on the town will be nothing short of damaging.The facts are clear from the introduction of car parking charges to Headcorn, that this one year old decision has indeed reduced income for businesses based in that village nearby. 


Virtually all Cranbrook Businesses that responded to this issue believe that the introduction of car parking charges will be damaging to their future commercial viability due to reduced income, fewer customers and likely increased costs.


More than 5000 people have shown their opposition to the introduction of car parking charges into Cranbrook.


If parking charges were to be introduced, 88% of on-line respondents said they would visit Cranbrook less with many saying they will go elsewhere for shopping, entertainment, dining and activities.


You can still add your views

at the On-line Petition


Please click on the "Your Voice Counts" button to send your views and opinions about this critical issue for Cranbrook.