The Environment & Sustainability Committee at Runnymede Borough Council met last week on 21 November and one of the agenda items was the annual review of parking fees & charges. The committee voted on and approved the following:

Fee increases of 5p per hour out of town, 10pper hour in town

introduction of recreational charging at open space car parks of £2.80 after 3 hours 

Introduction of a new charging structure which includes 30 minute free parking at Egham Library and Pooley Green

Flat evening charge of £2 and overnight £3

New procedures for granting temporary waiver of parking charges to support community events subject to costs being contained within budgets

an increase of £30 (OFT) and £60 (T) for annual permits

standardisation of parking orders in terms of return and waiting times, 

a thorough review of permits to introduce more flexible options

It is our understanding that this item will now be presented at Corporate Management Committee on either 12 December or 23 January. We will assume 12 December.

Some points to consider:

The "modest" increase to parking charges in town will see visitors paying £2.80 for 1-2 hours

The parking at Egham Library is currently free with a max 2 hour stay

The flat rate evening charge is a tax on people socialising in the evening, there is no such charge across the river at 2 Rivers in Staines. This will also impact community groups that hold meetings and activities in town in the evening.

The £60 increase for a town permit, referred to as "modest" in the report , sees a non residents permit increase from £775 to £835 pa!!

The report does not mention it but the parking reserves fund currently stands at £100K

There has been little or no consultation with local businesses, residents or community groups or assessment of the potential impact these changes will have including:

1. Attracting visitors to our town centres

2. Protecting our evening-time economy

3. Use of recreational facilities

4. Community groups that hold meetings and activities in the evenings

5. Additional congestion in residential roads

6. No commitment to improving car parking facilities. 

It would appear that the sole purpose of this exercise is to increase Revenue for Runnymede Borough Council. 

Action Point:

This petition to Runnymede Borough Council is requesting a hold on all the proposed changes until a significant and transparent consultation has taken place involving local businesses, community groups and residents. 

Please do sign and share.