On Tuesday, 30 January, the SCC Cabinet approved the introduction of parking charges at the five ‘Pay and Conserve’ sites (Chobham, Ockham, Rodborough, and Whitmoor commons and Norbury Park). This was in the face of bitter opposition from residents, community groups and, of course, Save Newlands Corner. This move is inextricably linked to the equally-opposed introduction of charges at Newlands Corner, rumoured to be implemented by the end of March.
Following an obviously well-orchestrated performance, Cabinet members voted unanimously to introduce charges at 15 of the most-used car parks. Payment will be by phone-only at some car parks and by card and phone at others. This is despite the fact that 75% of people responding to the ‘Pay and Conserve’ consultation said they did not want charges at all and 59% said they wanted cash-payment facilities.
It paves the way for the elderly (who often don’t have or want to use phones or cards), low income groups and other vulnerable groups to be effectively barred from using these sites. Despite our numerous questions, SCC has remained silent about the negative effects on health and wellbeing of these groups and the long term adverse impact on the adult social care budget, which is already under huge strain, and which could well dwarf any income received from parking charges. This is short-term gain for long-term loss.
These parking charges are also too high, inefficient, self-defeating, and legally debatable: too high because £1.30 an hour for a natural countryside car park is unreasonable; inefficient because, using the Council’s own figures, only £201,000 a year on average, out of £448,000 a year raised, will be used to help maintain the countryside; self-defeating because, from the Council’s own consultation, up to 70% of people said they would avoid coming to these sites, or come less often, if charges were applied; legally debatable because the Council says it will not be applying to the Planning Inspectorate for consent to install the parking meters – we firmly believe it should, as it did for Newlands Corner.
Other, more efficient, options should be used to maintain the countryside. Democracy and common sense were left behind when this decision was made.
February 1, 2018 at 6:41 pm
Outrageous!
Sent from my iPhone
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February 2, 2018 at 4:38 pm
We will no longer be able to visit these places, so sad.
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February 9, 2018 at 5:52 pm
incompetent Councillors band together.. again..!
Reading the Surrey Advertiser 9th February article..
ALL cooing to the same tune .. Card or Phone payment ..
(Personally I drive around Surrey – I’m NOT Aware that ‘so many ‘ places need Cards for payment Parking or otherwise )
Personally I think it will be much EASIER for people – to avoid these Outrageous Charges
People will just say ‘my phone /card isn’t compatible with SCC’s parking meters .. ‘ ??
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February 10, 2018 at 7:54 am
And furthermore ..
I had thought that the proposed Parking fees – were to make Newlands Corner accessible for ALL ..
NO.. ! ~ the SCC, has a New Mantra :
‘ those whouse, enjoy Newlands Corner – should be made to Pay ‘ -regardless ..
According to a SCC ‘Consultation’ (I don’t remember this SCC Consultation ? – when was this taken ? )
Apparently according to this SCC ‘Consultation ‘
‘74% of people who used Newlands Corner were 46 years old and Older ‘ ~ wouldn’t visit Newlands Corner as often, even stopping coming to Newlands Corner ‘ -IF Car Parking fees were introduced ‘
(it’s clearly implied that people over 46 years old are probably the most able to afford to Pay Parking fees)
I had thought that SCC wanted people of ALL ages .. to enjoy Newlands Corner .. especially as I remember with the emphasis on Families ? Children ?
Is this change of tone, got something to do with the rejection, abandonment of the introduction of the much hated ‘Play Trials ‘ ??
(seems like Sulking to me by SCC )
When can we get rid of these incompetent Counsellors .. ??
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