As of Saturday (April 10), more than 1,500 people had signed a petition calling for Brighton and Hove City Council to rescind parking charges at Stanmer Park.
The new payments were brought in at all six of the park's car parks on April 1 2021.
The changes affect Lower Lodges east; Lower Lodges west; The Patchway; Church car park; Upper Lodges and Chalkhill.
The charges vary depending on time and location, and range from £1 for an hour to £6.50 for 11 hours. A full listing of the charges appears below.
According to the City Council, there are pay by card machines at the Lower Lodges West car park and at the Patchway. All other locations are PaybyPhone, using the app, or by calling 01273 458458.
The change.org petition is calling for the city council to engage with locals and bring in an affordable, annual parking permit instead.
The organiser wrote:
"Stanmer Park has been a free resource for local residents of Brighton & Hove for many, many decades but as of April 2021 parking fees are payable in all car parks, the proceeds of which are to fund the upkeep of the park and woodland. Fair enough.
"What isn’t fair is the Council’s refusal to consider and incept an annual residents’ parking permit as can be found in places such as Southwater in Horsham. Having undertaken a public consultation where over 90% of those asked thought paid parking wasn’t a good idea or be welcomed, the Council seemed to ignore this and carry on with their plan.
"There is a cohort of, regular and older users of the woodlands who, based on two sessions of precious exercise a day, now face a £5 per day fee (plus 40p per transaction for the processing of the fee using the App).
"A lot of us are older and retirees who are nonplussed at the Council’s lack of consideration. It seems as though their decision is aimed at the casual user of the park, rather than the constant (all weather!) walkers."
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