Lack of parking charges 'bad for business' (From Surrey Comet)

Lack of parking charges in Ewell Road, Kingston 'bad for business'

7:00am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News By Hana Hausmeister, Reporter

Lack of parking charges in Ewell Road, Kingston 'bad for business'

Shopkeepers under threat from overcrowded parking fear their complaints are being ignored by Kingston Council.

There are currently no parking restrictions in Ewell Road and traders have complained that the lack of free spaces is bad for business.

At a meeting of the Surbiton neighbourhood committee last week councillors voted to defer pay and display parking until the scheme could be improved.

Kevin Jennings, whose father and uncle own CD Jennings and Sons butchers, said complaints were made to the council, but nothing was done about it.

He said: “We know the council has got money from Transport for London (TfL) to do something around these parts.

“Obviously we rely on passing trade, people being allowed to pull in and park for between 10 to 15 minutes to come in to us.”

Angela D’Ercoley, proprietor of Casa Viva, said: “I think they need to do something to keep the business parking unimpeded. The only way I can see that working is short-term parking.”

Councillor Malcolm Self said: “I think as a councillor I would like to see us doing something to support businesses.

“I do not want to see Surbiton or any local parts either boarded up or turned back into office-type buildings.

“The newsagent-type businesses would like limited parking and no return within an hour, but that is no good for the hairdressers or some of the other businesses.”

Traders are concerned the problem will become worse when Surbiton Hospital is built, and said that a taxi firm is already exploiting the few available spaces.

Coun Self said: “We need to listen to people, see what they have got to say, and I think the scheme can be improved on.”

Do you want pay and display in Ewell Road? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4244 or email newsdesk@surreycomet.co.uk.