Parking charges "highway robbery" (From Streatham Guardian)

Parking charges "highway robbery"

11:58am Friday 23rd November 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

More misery is in store for motorists as Elmbridge Council is poised to increase some car park charges by up to 78 per cent.

Season tickets for town centre car parks will rise by 48 per cent to £686 per annum while season tickets for village car parks face a staggering 78 per cent rise to £371 per annum, under proposals agreed for recommendation by cabinet members.

"Whichever way you go as a small business it's very hard and then you get all these add ons. It's worrying when women come into your shop saying they won't go to Walton anymore as they can park for free in Cobham or Hersham."

John Crowhurst

And train commuters leaving their cars at station car parks will also be hit, seeing charges rise from £3.50 to £5 a day.

John Crowhurst, owner of Designer Hairdressing in Walton, said the charges were another nail in the coffin of small businesses, following the introduction of charges at the Heart shopping centre.

He said: "Whichever way you go as a small business it's very hard and then you get all these add ons. It's worrying when women come into your shop saying they won't go to Walton anymore as they can park for free in Cobham or Hersham."

Mr Crowhurst said his takings were down 50 per cent and knew of other traders along the High Street who were suffering.

Margaret Mack, a resident in the Half Way, Walton, called the charges "highway robbery" and said she no longer did her main shop in Walton.

Walton Society Councillor Chris Sadler, of Walton Central ward, said: "I think they're excessive. It seems to go through quickly and I'm disappointed there was no real justification. There needs to be a proper review of the impact of car park charges before implementing them."

He was also worried about cars overspilling from commuter car parks into residential roads, with residential parking schemes in some areas still 18 months away.

He added: "People will leave a few minutes earlier and park in one of the residential roads all day instead of paying the charges."

Councillor Roy Taylor, leader of the council and cabinet chairman, defended the increase in charges saying they were bringing them in line with neighbouring boroughs.

He said: "Our charges are way below other boroughs in Surrey - commuter charges in Surbiton are £8 per day and in Woking they are £15 per day.

"If we're going to encourage the public to use public transport and prevent commuters coming in from outside we have to do it."

Coun Taylor also took a swipe at the previous residents' association administration, saying it was its lack of traffic management for 15 years that led to this situation.

A final decision will be made by councillors on December 5, when the increases are recommended for approval.

• What do you think of the charges? A fair price to pay or another blow for motorists?

• Print
• Email
• Share