Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) has launched a district-wide consultation on a new District-wide Parking Strategy for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). The consultation opened on 10 February 2026 and seeks views on a joined-up approach to parking management across the district rather than introducing restrictions on a street-by-street basis.
The council says the review is intended to tackle ‘parking displacement’ — where restrictions in one street push congestion into neighbouring unregulated roads — by standardising resident permits, operational hours and management of CPZs. The proposals under consultation could include extending resident permit coverage in some areas and clarifying rules for visitor and shopper parking, but these are options under consultation rather than final decisions.
Local people are invited to give feedback via the council’s online consultation portal or by emailing the Transport Regulation Order team at tro.consultation@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk. The consultation highlights high‑demand locations such as Folkestone Harbour, the Creative Quarter and areas near Folkestone Central (and Folkestone West) stations as priorities for review.
The consultation follows FHDC’s recent migration to a virtual permit system using RingGo. Physical scratchcards and RingGo ‘Wallets’ have been withdrawn as part of that move; RingGo Wallet balances could be used up until 2 February 2026, after which the council is operating virtual permits via RingGo.
Residents have expressed concern about rising parking costs amid wider increases proposed in the 2026/27 budget. The council has said the aim of the District-wide Parking Strategy is to create a fair, district-wide standard that prioritises local residents while keeping the town accessible.
