THE company behind the unexpected rise in parking charges in Swanley town centre has made a u-turn on disabled parking.

Development Securities brought in tariffs for the car park in Nightingale Way last month – much to the surprise of many shoppers, residents and councillors.

There was anger disabled Blue Badge holders did not have their usual right to three hours free parking respected.

That has now been reversed while the cost of parking for one hour is set to halve from 50p to 25p.

There were concerns the first hour charge would particularly affect patients at the Cedars and Oaks doctors’ surgeries and short-term visitors to the centre. 

The cost of parking all day will rise from £3 to £3.50 but Swanley shopping centre owners Development Securities has pledged to provide passes for employees of its tenants. 

These will cut the cost of parking all day to £2 for those working at shops in the centre. 

Company spokesman Matt Potter said: “We are confident this new schedule of charges is a fair compromise between ourselves, the residents of Swanley and most importantly, the tenants at our shopping centre.

“Our priority remains to ensure the future success of Swanley shopping centre for its tenants and shoppers.”

Development Securities own the shopping centre which is run by managers Cushman and Wakefield.

The car park is run in conjunction with operators County Car Parks.

Development Securities claim the cost of monitoring anti-social behaviour at the centre meant they had to bring in charges at a car park which had long been free.

The revenue is to help pay for newly installed CCTV and other measures, including security guards, aimed at dealing with groups of youths who congregate in the area.  

The cost for parking for up to three hours and up to four hours will remain the same at £2 and £3.

Do you think this is just a gimmick or has Development Securities made a fair response to public concerns? Leave your thoughts below.