Hundreds of residents in a seaside village have voiced their fears that an “outrageous” new car parking charge will drive visitors away and damage businesses.

Rother District Council has launched a trial of a £30 flat fee to park in Camber central car park and Old Lydd Road car park for the day in a bid to “reduce congestion” and cover “increasing” costs.

But more than 1,500 people have shown their displeasure at the scheme by signing a petition, which urges the council to stop the trial.

Sharon Blagrove, who started the campaign, says the trial is harmful to residents and businesses.

She also said the council is actually missing out on revenue due to people leaving the car park after clocking the parking charge.

“The council are actually losing revenue from this scheme, thereby rendering it useless to covering costs,” Ms Blagrove wrote on Change.org.

“This flat fee is deterring visitors to park in the central car park, causing congestion in and out of Old Lydd Road which is narrow within itself. During an extremely busy day, this will block residents’ way of entrance and exit, particularly those living down the road adjacent to the dunes bar.

“Both objectives are contradictory and cause more harm than good. In fact, this is proving harmful to residents and businesses alike.

“The price is extortionate for families who just want to go to the seaside. This beach is the jewel in the crown of beaches and is used by people from far and wide across the country.”

Many residents commented underneath the petition to share their displeasure.

Henry Bibby said: “The car park is overpriced and affecting local businesses.”

Sally Elson said: “I have been coming to Camber for years and then into Rye. But will not be any more due to the price of parking at the beach what a shame.”

Vicki Taylor said: “£30 parking for one day is outrageous.”

Sue Tym wrote: "This is going to kill a lovely seaside village that is much-loved by families, and it will put yet more businesses out of action."

Carol Baker added: "It shouldn't be allowed to charge this sort of price, where do they get their ideas from".

A Rother District Council spokeswoman said all feedback from the trial will be reviewed.

“During the summer months, thousands of people travel to the beach at Camber, causing severe congestion in the village,” she said.

“The flat rate fee for the summer season has been introduced in two of Camber’s more popular car parks as a trial to reduce traffic congestion in the centre of the village and cover the increasing costs of managing and maintaining services at Camber Sands.

“While the flat daily rate is being trialled at Central and Old Lydd Road car parks, hourly parking continues to be available at Western car park. Blue Badge holders using allocated disabled bays at Central and Old Lydd Road car park will be able to park for free during the trial this summer.

“The flat rate parking charge will be monitored throughout the season. All feedback will be considered and the use of a flat rate or hourly charge will be reviewed ahead of the 2024 summer season.”