Parking charge rises ignore local impact - firms

Parking charges in part of Surrey were increased without considering the impact on local traders, community groups and residents, business leaders have claimed.

Runnymede Borough Council has introduced a flat rate of £2 in the evening and £3 overnight, while town centre car park fees have increase by 10p an hour.

Open space car parks will remain free for three hours before a flat rate of £2.80 is implemented, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said the price review was carried out against a backdrop of needing to reduce its day to day spending by £4.1m by 2027-28.

In a comment directed to RBC, the Egham Chamber of Commerce said on social media: "What you have failed to mention is the complete absence of consultation with local businesses, community groups and residents, or any assessment of the potential impact these changes may have.

"Can you let us know what the benefits of these changes will be to the local economy?"

The council said it was under no obligation to consult on car parking charges, but that it had worked hard to support businesses where possible, including using funds to support more than 250 companies over the past 18 months.

It added that the funds would be invested into improving car parks and that new ways of waiving parking fees during community events had been introduced.

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