Changes to Arun District Council’s free car parks in Felpham and Middleton-on-Sea
From 1 April 2024, Arun District Council propose the introduction of a new maximum free stay period within Grassmere (Felpham), Links Avenue (Felpham) and Shrubbs Field (Middleton-on-Sea) free car parks.
It is proposed that the maximum free parking times will be changing with a no return period also being introduced. Please see the new free parking times and no return periods below:
Grassmere car park – 8 hours free parking, no return within 2 hours.
Links Avenue – 2 hours free parking, no return within 6 hours.
Shrubbs Field – 8 hours free parking, no return within 2 hours.
Visitors will need to obtain a free-of-charge ticket from a ticket machine located within the car parks. The ticket must be clearly displayed on the dashboard.
Blue Badge holders can continue to park within all Arun District Council car parks all day, without obtaining a ticket, as long as a valid Blue Badge is clearly displayed.
Introducing the ticket machines would enable us to collect usage data on these car parks. This data can be used to inform decisions taken by Arun District Council, in partnership with the parish councils, regarding any future changes to the car parks.
The changes would also deter abuse of the car park, allowing a greater turnover of vehicles and will identify abandoned vehicles earlier, enabling their removal, ensuring availability for residents and visitors.
We have noticed that there has been speculation about the cost of the machines and their installation and maintenance. We can confirm the installation cost is £150 per machine, not the £3000 that has been shared. The machines themselves are stock and are therefore not an additional cost to the council. The ongoing maintenance and restocking of the machines will be encompassed under our existing car park contract.
You can read more information here Free car parks – Felpham and Middleton-On-Sea FAQs | Arun District Council
If you have any questions regarding the above changes, or comments to make on the proposals, please contact car.parks@arun.gov.uk by 21 March 2024.