Rises in parking charges across Farnham have sparked strong opposition from residents and visitors, who argue that the hike will place an unfair burden on a town already struggling with ongoing infrastructure disruptions.

The new rates, approved during Waverley Borough Council’s recent budget meeting, aim to increase parking income from £5.9 million to £6.5 million in the coming year.

Other towns in Surrey, including Weybridge, Claygate, and Walton-on-Thames, have recently introduced 30 minutes of free parking.

However, in Farnham, parking charges will increase from May 12, with notable hikes for one and two-hour parking rates, the category most commonly used by shoppers and visitors.

For example, in Farnham’s Waggon Yard Car Park, fees will rise from 90p to £1 for one hour, and from £1.80 to £2 for two hours. However, the charge for three hours will be reduced from £3.10 to £2.90.

In Central Car Park, one-hour fees will rise from £1.20 to £1.30, and two-hour fees will increase from £2.50 to £2.60. Three-hour charges will also be reduced, from £4 to £3.90.

The Herald spoke to several residents and visitors using parking machines in Farnham town centre.

Brian Silver, 74, of Farnham, said parking prices were already too costly.

“I usually walk into the town centre because it’s too expensive to park,” he said. “There are so many empty shops in the town centre, and that doesn’t even include Brightwells. I wouldn’t say Farnham’s going downhill, it’s already gone.”

Geoff Peach, 74, of Elstead, said: “I’m only here today to use the library, but I usually do my shopping in Farnborough, even though it’s a bit of a longer drive to get there.

“Farnham seems to be mainly high-end restaurants these days—it's all a bit tofu-on-a-stick here, isn’t it?”

Tracy Kisko, 61, lives in Aldershot but works in Farnham town centre.

“It’s really expensive to park here, compared to Farnborough or Aldershot,” she said. “If I didn’t work here, I would go elsewhere to shop.”

Waverley Borough Council Conservative group leader, Councillor Jane Austin, also condemned the parking rate rises.

“We think it is shocking that the majority of Farnham users will see increases between 28-30 percent in only two years,” she said.

“The Farnham Infrastructure Programme work continues, which is causing major disruption. Why is Waverley’s Lib Dem-led executive not supporting residents and businesses? Instead, they are increasing the hurdles to visit, shop, and do business in Farnham.”

Another point of contention is the extension of evening parking charges, which were introduced last year as part of a “trial period.”

Cllr Austin questioned the necessity of the ongoing trial, suggesting it was more about mitigating public backlash and maximising revenue.

“Perhaps this ongoing trial is a PR damage limitation exercise and has something to do with the £165,000 of estimated income evening charges bring?" she said.

Cllr Tony Fairclough, the deputy leader of Waverley Borough Council, stated that free parking alone would not encourage people to use shops.

Cllr Fairclough, who represents the Farnham Residents party, explained that the goal was to find a way to use car park revenues to bring people physically into the shops.

He said Waverley is working with the Farnham Business Improvement District (BID) group to come up with a tactical approach that benefits businesses, the town, and residents.

He also pointed out that if footfall is down, the three councils—Surrey County, Farnham Town, and Waverley—along with Farnham BID, need to collaborate to offer support.

The reasons for the parking fee rises were to help maintain the car parks, said Cllr Fairclough, who serves as WBC’s portfolio holder for enforcement and regulatory services.

“The car parks, particularly in Farnham, are very well used, and that’s great,” he said.

“But with usage, like the roads, we do get repair requirements, like potholes. We, as a council, have to be mindful of that. What residents expect from our car parks is to find a space, park, and feel safe and secure while doing so—well-lit car parks and the like.

“So, it’s not just a case of it being a cash cow—it’s a service we provide and are more than happy to provide, but that service does come with maintenance and costs that we have to recoup in some way.”