Parking charges at one of Kent\u2019s most popular shopping destinations have been branded \u201cinsulting\u201d after rising for the third time in as many years.<\/p>\n
Ashford Designer Outlet, owned by McArthurGlen, has increased its minimum parking fee to \u00a33 for four hours – up from \u00a32.50 last year and \u00a32 the year before.<\/p>\n
Ashford Designer Outlet has increased the costs of parking at its site again<\/p>\n
The centre, which opened in March 2000 with free parking, first introduced charges of 50p for two hours in 2004, later rising to \u00a31 for four hours.<\/p>\n
Visitors now face paying \u00a36 if they stay all day, while parking remains free at rival sites Bluewater and Westwood Cross in Thanet.<\/p>\n
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) charges \u00a31.30 for one hour and \u00a32.60 for two hours at its Dover Place and Vicarage Lane car parks, making them cheaper than the outlet for shorter stays.<\/p>\n
A portion of revenue from the car park goes directly to McArthurGlen, whose headquarters are in London.<\/p>\n
A company spokesperson said: \u201cWe\u2019ve made a small adjustment to parking charges to help us maintain the high standards our guests expect, from security and cleaning to events such as the upcoming Christmas market.<\/p>\n
Ashford Designer Outlet has more than 100 shops<\/p>\n
\u201cOur rates remain competitive compared to other shopping destinations that charge for parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yet many shoppers say the rising fees risk putting them off visiting altogether.<\/p>\n
Barry Cross, of Singleton, said: \u201cI would not spend that amount of money to shop at the outlet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat figure would be a barrier to me going, so if I want to go I\u2019ll either cycle or drive to Asda and park there instead now.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it were free, I would be more inclined to go there to have a look around.<\/p>\n
Resident Barry Cross says the new Designer Outlet prices are unnecessary<\/p>\n
\u201cPaying to park anywhere is always a barrier to me when visiting places.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe centre is a huge money-spinner and the fact it is charging town centre parking prices for an out of town facility is quite insulting.<\/p>\n
\u201cA nominal \u00a31 for parking I would maybe stomach, but the fact you can park for free for a bit in Asda opposite speaks for itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under current rules, parking remains free after 5pm from Monday to Sunday, though the centre closes at 8pm.<\/p>\n
Blue badge holders and those staying for up to 30 minutes can also continue to park without charge.<\/p>\n
Resident Etienne Pradier says the Outlet’s prices are almost getting too steep<\/p>\n
Etienne Pradier lives in Wye, on the outskirts of Ashford, and says the increasing fees could soon prevent him from visiting.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI don\u2019t think \u00a33 is really bad, but it used to be free for a very long time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think if it keeps increasing and got to \u00a35 that would be enough for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ashleigh Atkins, 39, of Park Farm in Ashford, agrees, even calling the new price \u201ccheeky\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you go to the outlet it\u2019s always nice to sit down and have a nice lunch,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does feel a bit cheeky really as you\u2019re looking at least \u00a36 if you want to spend the day there which is pricey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resident Ben Thompson, who recently moved from nearby Finberry to High Halden, believes the change could help Ashford\u2019s high street.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would make me think twice to stop in for shorter shops.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut to be honest I think it might be better news for the high street for the outlet to have higher pricing in line with what it costs to park in town.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe outlet is so dominant against the high street that measures should be put in place to stop it having such a competitive edge over shopping in the high street.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parking charges at Kent’s shopping centres<\/p>\n
But County Square shop owner Colin Wiggins, who runs East Kent Mobility, is unconvinced.<\/p>\n
The 73-year-old said: \u201cIt won\u2019t make any difference to shops here \u2013 the outlet has enough brands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve already affected the town centre enough really, but I suppose if it got to \u00a34 or \u00a35 [to park] there, I think it may encourage people to hopefully come here more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe outlet just should have been built closer to the town centre in the first place so the whole area was one big hub.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others are more understanding.<\/p>\n
Colin Wiggins does not believe footfall in Ashford town centre will increase despite the Outlet’s increased parking costs<\/p>\n
Peter Appleton, 71, from Singleton, said: \u201cYou have to remember inflation is high and national insurance has gone up and that\u2019s probably thousands of pounds extra for all the staff there.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I don\u2019t think \u00a33 is too expensive, but I would say it\u2019s risen a few times now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI popped in the other night to get some work socks, but made sure I was out within 30 minutes as it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing I would also say is you pay when you leave, rather than up front like before, so I wonder if some people have paid more than they expected when they\u2019re done because there aren\u2019t many signs showing the prices.\u201d<\/p>\n