Pay and Display Parking Proposals
Surrey County Council is consulting on its proposals for Pay and Display across Surrey, including Weybridge. The Weybridge Society has objected to the proposals on the grounds that the loss of free parking would drive shoppers away, that the business case was flawed and that local views were not being considered.
In response to an e-petition that raised 26,300 signatures, CClr Ian Lake (portfolio holder for Transport) announced at the Council meeting this week that significant changes to the proposals would now be presented that could meet the objections we and many others had raised. (The debate is available to view as a web-broadcast on the Surrey Council website). CClr Lake indicated that they accept that schemes could be local and that in some ‘commercially sensitive’ and other areas a 30 minute free parking period could be allowed. If this is applied to Weybridge it would alleviate the most serious threats from the proposals, however there remain serious doubts about what changes will be presented for Weybridge, what the financial and other effects will be, and if local representatives and residents will have any say in the final proposals.
- Whilst the Surrey County Council consultation is open to all residents, a statement was made at the Council Meeting that changes to the proposals would reflect the views of ‘Conservative County Clrs’. We have asked the Environment and Transportation Select Committee, that meets on 18th May, to confirm that all views will be taken into account.
- Many Council members commented about the lack of business justification for the original proposals (a criticism also made earlier by the Environment and Transportation Select Committee itself) and that the suggested changes would significantly change the financial evaluation. We have asked that further implementation proposals must only be presented to, or accepted by, local committees/select committee or cabinet when supported by a full business case for each borough.
- Previously it was proposed that Pay and Display proposals had to be similar across the County and for this reason proposals could not be decided by Local Committees (which include Borough and County Councillors). Now proposals can reflect local needs and so we argue it should be for Local Committees to decide which locally appropriate parking solutions if any, including Pay and Display, to implement in each borough. We have asked the Local Committee Chair and Environment and Transportation Select Committee to confirm that schemes will be decided by the Local Committee.
We urge residents to comment on the consultation and write to our Councillors (CClr Ian Lake and our Borough Councillors).
Transport Panel, Weybridge Society
- Whilst the Surrey County Council consultation is open to all residents, a statement was made at the Council Meeting that changes to the proposals would reflect the views of ‘Conservative County Clrs’. We have asked the Environment and Transportation Select Committee, that meets on 18th May, to confirm that all views will be taken into account.
13th May 2011
