Reduced car parking fees have been announced by Surrey Heath Borough Council to support local shops, leisure outlets and Camberley town centre workers.
A flat rate evening tariff of £2.50 after 6.30pm will be introduced in Main Square and Knoll Road car parks in Camberley, to support the town’s night-time economy and hospitality industry.
A 50% parking discount for town centre staff will also be introduced at Knoll Road car park. This new parking offer will support local low paid workers, and applies only to retail employees at The Square shopping centre. It is hoped this will free up more spaces on nearby roads for residents and their visitors, as well as act as an incentive to national chains and independent retail businesses to trade in Camberley.
Additionally, starting from early February, a 50% discount on Thursday morning parking will be available to customers at The Square who spend a minimum of £25 at participating shops. This trial period will apply until the end of March to encourage additional footfall in the quieter post-Christmas period.
Alongside these new initiatives, parking fees will be frozen across all council car parks in the borough until the formation of the new West Surrey Council in April 2027.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Built Environment and Regulation Cllr Alan Ashbery said: “This package of car parking discounts, flat rate evening fees and incentives for shopping centre customers aims to support a range of local people and businesses.
“Half price parking for employees of retail businesses in The Square helps low paid workers, while the evening flat rate at Main Square and Knoll Road car parks hopes to encourage visits to our excellent range of food, drink and leisure destinations and boost our night-time economy.
“The post-Christmas parking incentive for customers at The Square looks to increase visits to Camberley in the traditionally quieter months after the festive season.
“We are also pledging to freeze parking fees at council car parks across the borough until the creation of the new West Surrey Council in April 2027. At this point, harmonising car parking fees across the wider new authority area is likely to be considered.
“This package of measures addresses a number of our priorities including supporting a strong economy, and reflects the council listening to feedback received from residents and businesses.”
The changes are due to take effect during February.