Attieh Fard, a resident of Mytchett, has taken a bold stand against the proposed increases in parking charges by the Lib Dem administration at Surrey Heath Borough Council.
Attieh's initiative gained significant attention after her recent interview on BBC Surrey Radio, where she voiced her concerns about the potential adverse impacts of the Lib Dem's decision on Camberley town centre and local village high streets.
With Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) being responsible for managing some seventeen car parks in the Borough, the increase in parking fees by over 17% has been branded as a 'necessary measure' to generate revenue for repairs and essential maintenance. The projected income of £410,000 is based upon current usage data, and does not factor a drop in residents using the car parks. A recent public consultation by SHBC revealed overwhelming opposition, with four out of five respondents expressing unwillingness to pay higher fees, even if it promised improved facilities and services.
Within the proposed changes, the free parking period will be slashed from one hour to just thirty minutes in car parks like The Square Car Park in Bagshot, Burrell Road in Frimley, Watchetts Road in Camberley, and Wharf Road in Frimley Green. This move has sparked widespread concern from local independent businesses, who see this change as being detrimental to attracting customers, particularly amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Attieh emerged as a vocal advocate against the parking charge increments, with an e-petition gaining significant traction within the local community with over 1,500 signatures. Attieh recently appeared on BBC Surrey Radio to articulate the concerns shared by many residents, highlighting the potential detrimental effects on businesses and the community.
In her interview, Attieh emphasised the adverse implications of the proposed changes, stressing how they could exacerbate financial burdens for residents already grappling with rising living costs. Attieh underscored the importance of preserving the current one-hour free parking period as crucial for supporting local businesses and fostering community cohesion.
Many argue that the proposed reduction in the free parking period would deter customers from frequenting local businesses, thereby undermining economic vitality and community engagement, especially in the villages in the Borough.
At the Executive Committee Meeting of SHBC held yesterday (Tuesday 13th February), Attieh's e-petition was dismissed by one Lib Dem Councillor as being "politically motivated". In response to these comments, Attieh took to her Facebook page and said:
"Tonight's council debate left me utterly bewildered. The Liberal Democrat councillors have labelled our e-petition as politically motivated, which couldn't be further from the truth! As a Surrey Heath resident, alongside many of my friends, I am deeply concerned about any proposed reduction in free parking. This move would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our community and our struggling local businesses.
"Let me be clear: my motivation stems from a genuine desire to improve our community. It's disheartening to see the Liberal Democrats twist the facts and turn this into a party political issue. Despite their attempts, the voice of over 1,500 residents cannot be ignored.
"I'm grateful for the support of my Conservative councillors and MP in promoting the e-petition. However, let's not forget that the essence of this petition is driven by our community's needs, not by party politics.
"Politicians are elected to serve the community, regardless of party affiliation. It's disappointing to see councillors using party membership to undermine genuine efforts to protect our community. This is simply poor politics! Let's stay united in our efforts to safeguard our community's interests. Together, we can make a difference!"
While the Lib Dems maintain that the increased revenue is vital for addressing infrastructure needs and ensuring the upkeep of car parks, local residents and businesses are not convinced, asserting the proposed changes could have far-reaching ramifications, potentially outweighing the purported benefits of increased funds for repairs and maintenance.
