Councillors have argued that car parking prices in Farnham should be frozen while a major town centre upgrade is in process.

The issue was raised at a recent Farnham Town Council meeting during discussions on the upcoming town centre improvement works, which are set to begin in mid-February.

Waverley Borough Council (WBC) increased parking charges by 12 to 18 percent in 2024, and some councillors sought to prevent another hike this year.

Councillor Chris Jackman (Badshot Lea and Moor Park) proposed a motion to halt rises in parking charges for residents at WBC car parks throughout the duration of the project.

He said: “I believe we should lobby Waverley and get the parking charges [increases] taken away for the duration of town centre works.”

This sparked debate in the council chamber as members considered the impact of the planned works on businesses, residents, traffic congestion, and the potential loss of parking revenue used to fund other projects.

Cllr Mark Merryweather (Badshot Lea and Moor Park) said: “I’m concerned about the unintended or intended consequences of the proposal made as there has no impact assessment has been made.

“Our issue in Farnham is the amount of spaces not the prices by removing fees we could get congestion”.

Cllr Tony Fairclough (Farnham Heath End) said:“People who say parking charges killed the high street are wrong. I’m sorry but the numbers don’t back it up.

“Year-on-year we have seen a five percent increase in parking fee-paying users of the car park and we are almost at a pre-Covid level.

“Only from the fees and charges from the car parks Waverley can provide services such as the upgrades to Farnham Museum and the new Central Surgery.”

The proposal was rejected, with five councillors voting against it, five abstaining, and only three in favour.