Agenda item

The Executive RESOLVED not to amend the current car parking tariffs at Bagshot, Burrell Road, Chobham, and Watchetts Road car parks.

The Executive received a report proposing changes to the charging regime at Bagshot, Burrell Road, Chobham and Watchetts Road car parks. Car parking tariffs in these out of town car parks had not been reviewed since 2009. At present the operation and maintenance of these car parks was subsidised by approximately £50,000 per annum, after deducting charges.

The proposed tariffs had been increased to reflect the 27.5% increase in inflation since 2009 and also included the introduction of a 40p tariff for the first 2 hours’ stay, which had previously been free. In recognition that a number of local businesses depended on short “stop and shop” visits by customers, it was proposed to make available 8 free of charge 30 minute parking spaces for short stay use in each car park.

The Executive considered the loss of the 2 hours free parking and the introduction of the 30 free bays. It was suggested that 30 minutes was not sufficient time to visit the shops and amenities in any of the affected areas and that the proposed charging policy could have a detrimental impact upon the local businesses. Members also suggested that the 2 hours free parking helped maintain a turnover in the car parks, thereby supporting the shops’ trade. In addition, concerns were raised that losing the 2 hours free parking would have a detrimental impact on those dependent on it for visiting doctors’ surgeries and other healthcare services.

Whilst the Executive supported the review of the charging regime by Members biennially, it was felt that tariffs should remain the same for the present time.

Members noted that discussions had previously taken place with some of the Parish Councils concerning opportunities for them to take over the management of the car parks in their parish areas and agreed to ask officers to make further enquiries on this matter with all of the Parish Councils.

RESOLVED not to amend the current car parking tariffs at Bagshot, Burrell Road, Chobham, and Watchetts Road car parks.