Representatives from Save Newlands Corner (SNC) went to the Surrey Countryside Access Forum meeting yesterday (16th April). Surrey County Council (SCC) was giving an update on rural parking charges. Lisa Creaye-Griffin, Head of the SCC Countryside Group, said that parking charges will be introduced on a phased basis at Newlands Corner and the other five sites involved (Ockham, Rodborough, Norbury Park, Chobham and Whitmoor) by mid-July. SCC said work would begin at Newlands Corner today. The sad news is that we can confirm that it has indeed started – posts along the roadside to stop parking on the verges when charges are introduced.
SNC asked again what we have been asking since October (eight times) and that is “What is the legal basis for introducing charges at Newlands Corner?”. For the second time, we were told that it has been referred to the SCC legal department and that we would receive an answer in due course. Considering that they intended to introduce charges two years ago, you would think that they would know the legal position by now. We are staying on the case with this!
The good news is that the Albury Estate is undertaking work to help protect the ancient yews on the site. The woodland has been neglected for many years and the yews have been suffering damage from a variety of causes. One ancient tree has died and some others have signs of stress. So, it is good to see this work happening, with the likelihood of further measures being taken to conserve these venerable and ecologically-valuable trees.
April 17, 2018 at 8:03 pm
I think Everyone who has been involved in fighting these Parking Charges – Have done a fantastic job..
And everyone who wants to maintain free access to Newlands Corner, and the other sites (Ockham, Rodborough, Norbury Park, Chobham and Whitmoor) targeted will continue the fight ..!
~ So many proposals put forward by the SCC over the past 2 Years.. have been overturned, rejected because of the Hard work put in by the Save Newlands Corner group..
SCC Haven’t succeeded completely with their Outrageous Car Parking charges .. Just Yet..
I’m sure many people will find that their Mobile phone Apps, Smart Cards ~ ‘ Won’t be Compatible ‘ with SCC’s ‘Hi-tech’ Parking Meters ..?
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April 18, 2018 at 7:49 am
I hope (SCC ) they have checked with all the Mobile phone carriers before the installation that there is sufficient and constant signal coverage for all who hope to use the machines as I know O2 is very poor around that area. Or there will be lots of notes stating can not pay NO SIGNAL
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June 19, 2018 at 3:01 pm
The parking charges are outrageous for people like me who visit the are to unwind or for the elderly people who visits for a lovely walk around. Or other many others who use the space on day to day basis. SCC need to be more considerate. We already pay a lot of tax, but still more is being put on our plates!!
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