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Parking Fees Empty Queenborough Car Park, Block Emergency Access

5/4/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Swale Borough Council introduced parking charges at the Queenborough car park on the Isle of Sheppey in early April 2026, leaving it empty.
Residents say parked cars now block the main street, hindering emergency vehicles.
Local business owners, including barman Matthew Nichol of The Flying Dutchman pub, claim the fees threaten trade.
The council argues the charges bring the site in line with other borough car parks.

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Story summary

Swale Borough Council introduced parking charges at the Queenborough car park on the Isle of Sheppey in early April 2026, leaving it empty.
Residents say parked cars now block the main street, hindering emergency vehicles.
Local business owners, including barman Matthew Nichol of The Flying Dutchman pub, claim the fees threaten trade.
The council argues the charges bring the site in line with other borough car parks.