PLANS that would have seen anyone staying longer than four hours in key car parks charged up to £25 have been largely dropped by the Liberal Democrats following sustained criticism from local Conservatives, including Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford.
After Gregory described the proposals as “frankly unbelievable behaviour”, the Liberal Democrats have revised their approach. Instead of introducing a flat four-hour cut-off, the Council now plans to continue six-hour stays, while eight-hour charges will be retained in some car parks.
Gregory said the change was a clear win for town centre workers, particularly those employed in hospitality, retail and leisure.
“Like many in the Farnham and Haslemere communities, I was shocked to see plans that would have charged around £25 just to go to work for more than four hours – which is the reality for most workers, especially those in pubs, shops and restaurants,” he said.
Under the revised proposals, there will still be small variations to charges for other parking durations. However, Conservatives say retaining six and eight-hour options is a fairer and more practical outcome for residents, workers and businesses.
Conservative Opposition Leader at Waverley Borough Council, Cllr Jane Austin, welcomed the change but issued a warning about the Liberal Democrats’ approach.
“It is abundantly clear that the Liberal Democrats are willing to take residents for granted unless they are challenged,” she said.
“Had Conservatives not formally raised concerns and made recommendations to the Council, there is a real risk these proposals could have been pushed through as a stealth tax on our town centres.”
Gregory also criticised attempts by the Liberal Democrats to downplay the issue.
“It was deeply disappointing to hear parking described as a ‘small issue’. That simply is not true,” he said.
“For someone working five days a week, the original proposals could have meant hundreds of pounds extra every month. That shows a worrying disregard for the pressures facing workers and businesses.”
He added that the Conservatives’ alternative was clear.
“If we win the local elections in May, Conservatives will scrap the first hour of parking. It really is that simple.”