Surrey Heath Borough Council set to increase parking charges

Car parking charges in parts of Surrey are set to increase in April.

Surrey Heath Borough Council, which runs 17 car parks, said the increase would raise an estimated £410,000.

The money is needed to fund repairs and "essential maintenance," the authority said.

Four out of five people who responded to a public consultation said they would not be willing to pay higher fees, even if it meant improved facilities and services.

A petition against the charges said they would affect local businesses and the community in the midst of a cost of living crisis.

The car parks, which include Watchetts Road, Chobham High Street and Wharf Road, are currently free for the first hour.

Following approval at an executive meeting on Tuesday, they could now only be free for the first 30 minutes.

Parking in these car parks will increase from £1 to £1.50 for up to two hours, and from £1.50 to £2 for up to three hours.

The decision will be finalised when full council confirms its budget for 2024-25 at a meeting on 21 February.

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