PARKING at Witley’s Rodborough Common will no longer be free, following a decision taken by Surrey County Council.

Just under 1,000 of the 1,300 people who responded to a public consultation on the proposals, opposed Surrey’s plans to introduce charges at its five “busiest sites” at Chobham, Whitmoor, Ockham and Rodborough commons and Norbury Park.

Despite the overwhelming opposition, the cabinet approved a recommendation to charge at all the countryside sites.

The charges are due to come into force by July.

One objector asked councillors at last week’s meeting what the purpose of running the six-week “pay and conserve” consultation had been, if the views expressed were not reflected in the proposals put forward.

She also asked what the cost of running the consultation had been.

Acknowledging the objections, the cabinet minister for environment and transport, councillor Mike Goodman, said ‘unprecedented financial pressure’ and the need to save £100million this year, meant Surrey’s cabinet had been left with ‘no choice.’

Responding to concerns charging would result in visitors parking nearby to avoid paying, Surrey will implement ‘displacement’ parking measures which were ‘practical and sympathetic to the environment’ prior to introducing charges.

Mr Goodman said: “Without funding, the countryside will become more inaccessible, overgrown and littered. All car parks need regular litter collection, management of trees and other vegetation, upkeep of signs and surfacing and car park resurfacing. Income from charges can help meet these costs and improve the biodiversity, landscape and access to this valuable asset.

“The results show the public would prefer not to pay to use the car parks however there is recognition that without a reliable income stream the result would be a deterioration in the quality, and in access.”

Visitors to Rodborough will pay £1.30 for an hour, £2.60 for up to two hours, £3.90 for up to three hours and £5 for more than three hours. Blue Badge holders still free.