The Performance & Finance Scrutiny Committee Car Parking Strategy for 13th February 2024 (“the Strategy”) sets out further parking restrictions across Surrey Heath which the signatories believe would adversely affect local businesses and the local community in the midst of a cost of living crisis where every penny helps struggling families and businesses.
Paragraph 2.8 of the Strategy sets out key proposals to the parking tariffs within the Council car parks including:
2.8 (iii) A reduction in the free period in pay on foot (POF) car parks from 1 hour to 30 minutes, with the exception of Chobham
2.8 (iv) the shift from evening to hourly tariffs for the multi-storey car parks
2.8 (vi) An increase in the tariffs, including season tickets,
for all chargeable car parks
A reduction in the free period in POF car parks from 1 hour to 30
minutes in Frimley Green for example will permanently damage small
and local businesses or driving customers to park in the nearby
residential roads adversely affecting traffic. Such businesses may
lose customers as for example a typical hair appointment takes
longer than half an hour and customers can wait longer than this to
pick up prescriptions from local pharmacies.
Paragraph 2.7 of the Strategy states:
“Additional car parks which will require further assessment and the development of a detailed business case are Frimley Lodge and Lightwater Country Park car parks.” This indicates that in due course, the Council may introduce parking tariffs for Frimley Lodge and Lightwater Country Park. Hundreds of individuals and families, including the most vulnerable in the community, visit these parks. Use of the parks are essential for the health and wellbeing of residents. The pavements leading to Frimley Lodge Park in particular are not wide enough for families or dog walkers or the disabled to use them; hence, many residents drive to the park. Therefore, an introduction of parking tariffs may mean less people may choose to visit the parks.
This will have a negative impact on the health of the community,
potentially increasing doctors’ appointments and increasing
the pressure on the NHS and the public purse.
Started by: Attieh Fard
This ePetition runs from 09/02/2024 to 13/05/2024.
1808 people have signed this ePetition.