Parking charges considered in Sussex villages
Getty ImagesParking charges are being considered for large villages in Sussex.
The plans for car parks run by Mid Sussex District Council in Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Cuckfield and Lindfield, were supported by the cabinet during a meeting on Monday.
The charges would part fund the local authority's £400 yearly cost of providing each car parking space, but also help curb illegal and inconsiderate parking.
Chris Hobbs, cabinet member for leisure and customer services, said it was "really important for the vitality" of the high streets that spaces were "not just hogged and used all day".
He stressed the importance of balancing the needs of different users, be they parents dropping off children, shoppers, commuters, or residents.
He added: "It's really important for the vitality of our high streets that we drive churn in our parking spaces, to ensure that they're available for people who want to use them, and that they're not just hogged and used all day."
If the proposals are approved in September, parking charges will be brought in from Monday to Saturday between 08:00 and 18:00.
The first hour of parking would be free for those with "digital discs" or 60p for those without, rising to £1.80 for four hours or more.
The discs would cost £4 per year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Residents would be charged £52 per year for an overnight parking permit, while season tickets would cost £15.84 per month, £140.40 for six months, and £336.96 for a year.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.