Conservatives to introduce Parking Meters in Epsom & Ewell

Surrey County Council's Conservative Cabinet Member for Transportation has unilaterally decided, at a special meeting held on Wednesday 12th January, to introduce charges for on-street parking during the course of the next year for all residents across Surrey.

This will mean that starting from November 2011, charges ranging from 60p to £1.40 per hour will apply for parking in the marked bays in Upper High Street, Waterloo Road, Ewell Village, Ruxley Lane, Stoneleigh Broadway and half a dozen other shopping parades in Epsom & Ewell.

Currently on-street parking is free and the availability of these parking spaces helps to stimulate the local economy and provides a convenient way for local residents to make quick visits to local shops and services.

Speaking after the decision by was announced, Lib Dem County Councillor Colin Taylor (Epsom & Ewell South West) said: "Local businesses in Epsom & Ewell have felt the consequences of recession for some time and the local retail economy is fragile. This proposal is a further unnecessary blow, which will discourage short visits to local shops. Residents will no longer have the opportunity of making a quick visit to a newsagent or chemist, delivering or collecting items from a dry cleaners or visiting a specialist shop without having to pay for the privilege."

"This is an unacceptable imposition on retailers and residents which can only damage the local economy and inconvenience local people."

"Whatever may happen at Westminster, there is no Coalition with the Conservatives at County Hall. The Liberal Democrats will oppose these moves strongly."

"I would encourage all members of the community to ensure that the County Council hears their views when statutory consultations take place later in the year."