Delivery firms and couriers could be on the receiving end in a bid to reduce illegal parking in Farnham town centre.

A Surrey County Council motion that could bring delivery firms to the table has received unanimous cross-party support as frustrations grow about problem parking and lanes being blocked around the town centre.

The sight of delivery vans blocking lanes on West Street and The Borough has become a common one with the problem only adding to heavy congestion and driver frustration.

Similar concerns were raised by Epsom councillor, Steven McCormick, at the SCC meeting where the successful motion proposed by the Residents Association and Independent Group was tabled. Councillors would like SCC to:

• Write to delivery companies to highlight the issue of motorcycle delivery parking on pavements, and request information regarding the training given to riders.

• Request a round table meeting with delivery companies and Surrey Police to discuss guidelines with delivery riders.

• Work closely with Surrey Police to tackle key areas where the issue occurs and educate drivers on appropriate behaviour.

Cllr Catherine Powell said: “I am really glad that the amended motion has received cross party unanimous support.

“I fully support the motion as I have concerns that the issue of delivery drivers and where they will park to collect from the restaurants moving into the new Brightwells Development has not yet been defined.  

“As part of the debate on the motion I took the opportunity to raise this specific issue and the need to resolve it as a matter of urgency particularly as we already have significant issues with an existing food delivery company in close proximity parking on the pavement.”

Pavement parking was also discussed and although SCC has no plans for a ban at present, the Department for Transport will be consulted with a letter in the offing.