Councillor Gayle Gander proposed a new charging structure on behalf of local residents and businesses, to address a lack of convenient parking in the area other than for commuters.

The new one-, two- and four-hourly parking rates are being offered for a two-month trial period, and GTR’s commercial team hope the move will be popular enough to make the change permanent.

Until now only full-day parking has been available at the station, historically to ensure the necessary spaces for commuters using the Southern train services, but since the Covid pandemic demand from station customers has remained lower for much of the week.

Councillor Gayle Gander pointed out the potential demand for shorter parking periods, with very little other space available for customers of Kenley’s parade of shops, restaurants and other amenities.

For the pilot, instead of the full weekday tariff of up to £5.70, car park customers can choose to stay for up to an hour for £1.00, two hours for £2.00 or four hours for just £4.00. Weekend prices remain unchanged at £2.40 for a full day, and a weekly “season” is still available for £24.40.

GTR’s Commercial Director David Gornall said: “We hope these more flexible choices prove popular as we expect the new charging structure to be a win-win – good value and convenience for the local community and more revenue for the railway.”

Cllr Gander said: “I am pleased that GTR has taken this proactive step to addressing local residents’ needs, by diversifying the tariff structure at Kenley station for at least a trial period. The new options are likely to be made permanent if they prove popular, so I encourage people to take advantage of the convenient new parking provision.”