PRATTS Bottom residents are angry about new “draconian” parking charges at Knockholt Station which have forced commuters to find other ways home.

Since charges of £3 a day were introduced people have been forced to leave their cars at home and now have to walk along partially lit woodland paths.

Louise Gibbons, 24, of Orchard Road said: “It’s an unpleasant and scary experience, especially for a woman. I’m so scared my heart is racing the whole time.

“I walk to the station most of the year but in the winter, drive in order to avoid this walk home.”

Sevenoaks Council introduced charges on October 10 as a response to complaints that parking around the station was dangerous.

But Chelsfield and Pratts Bottom councillor Julian Grainger says the measures are draconian and cause more problems, as many of the commuters who once used Knockholt station now go to Chelsfield instead.

He said: “Bizarrely, this scheme went ahead despite the objections from all levels of local councillor.

“Parish, District and County Councillors all favoured less draconian restrictions - citing local residents as the biggest losers.

“The last thing I want to do is add more yellow lines around Chelsfield Station - but we may have little choice.”

For postman Gene Eustace, 54, commuters parking outside his home in Russett Close in Chelsfield is a familiar problem.

He said: “I do shift work so when I get home at lunchtime there’s never anywhere to park. It’s so inconvenient. It just makes everything a bit more difficult.

“I’ve started parking away from my road because I’ve had so much damage done to my cars from people reversing in and out.”