Lib Dems call on Surrey to scrap parking charges plan

The Lib Dems on Surrey County Council are calling on the Council to scrap the plans for new on-street charges for car parking bays in market towns and rural villages throughout Surrey. They have submitted a motion for discussion by the Full Council meeting on 22 March.

The Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Transportation, County Councillor Stephen Cooksey (Dorking and the Holmwoods), who proposed the motion, says: "The plan put forward by Surrey County Council's Conservative Cabinet is an unnecessary blow to market towns and villages in Surrey, during a time of economic difficulty."

"It will hit many of Surrey's small businesses hard, discouraging short visits to local shops and result in even more pressure on already overcrowded residential streets."

Liberal Democrat County Councillor John Orrick (Caterham Hill), the motion's seconder, adds: "The proposals will inconvenience local people seeking a brief parking period to visit a cashpoint, collect a parcel or a prescription or make a simple purchase. This is an unacceptable imposition on retailers and residents which can only inconvenience local people."

PETITION

Residents who oppose the planned charges can sign a petition here.

BACKGROUND

The motion submitted for discussion reads:

This Council:

Notes that the Cabinet is proposing to introduce new on-street charges for car parking bays in market towns and rural villages throughout Surrey.

Recognises that on-street car parking charges would:

1. further disadvantage local retailers at a time of economic difficulty;

2. increase car parking congestion in residential roads close to town and village centres;

3. inconvenience local people seeking a brief parking period to visit a cashpoint, collect a parcel or a prescription or make a simple purchase.

Resolves to request that the Cabinet re-consider its proposal to introduce new on-street charges for car parking bays in market towns and rural villages with a view to abandoning them forthwith.