Sunday Parking Free Before Christmas

All Epsom's council car parks will be free on the five Sundays before Christmas, starting on Sunday 25th November, thanks to proposals put forward by the Lib Dems.

A meeting of the Environment Committee heard from Cllrs Julie Morris and Nigel Pavey that it would show goodwill, help the economy and be welcomed by shoppers. Including the last Sunday in November will mean parking for the Local Business Market is also free.

Cllr Morris said "We were delighted the Committee accepted our recommendations concerning Christmas parking and car park charges generally. Some will rise by a small amount next year, but many won't increase and evening (and Sunday) parking charges will stay the same next year."

A Working Group is to be set up to brainstorm the problems of Hook Road car park, which is half empty most of the time. Cllr Morris added "Hook Road is an excellent long-stay car park, but it shuts early and isn't open on Sunday. That's got to change. Weekly and monthly permits have to be cheaper. Anyone has to be able to buy a permit. New thinking is required and we cannot continue to have a car park half empty. It has to become a viable option for commuters and people who want to commute via Epsom Station."