The majority of fees in council-run car parks in Epsom and Ewell are expected to remain the same for the next 18 months

The environment and safe communities committee recommended the car park charges freeze at a council meeting on October 23.

The recommendations come amid criticism shoppers are deterred from the high street by ongoing works.

Councillors say they hope the freeze in car park charges will encourage more people to shop in the area and will support local businesses.

The price freeze will apply to all the standard ‘pay as you park’ tariffs at council run car parks, while car park permit prices will rise in line with inflation.

Cllr Peter O'Donovan, chairman of the environment and safe communities committee said: "We are committed to securing the fairest deal and best service possible for car park users.

“Car parks are an important service to the public and we need to ensure they are viable, properly maintained and safe.

“The majority of the income generated from our car parks is reinvested back into the car parks”.

The recommendations will be ratified at the full council meeting to agree the council’s 2019/2020 budget in February.