Town parking discounts to boost night-time economy

A Surrey local authority has announced it will reduce car parking fees to support local economy.

Surrey Heath Borough Council said it would introduce a flat rate evening tariff of £2.50 after 18:30 GMT at Main Square and Knoll Road car parks in Camberley.

It added retail employees of The Square shopping centre would be offered a 50% parking discount at Knoll Road car park.

Alan Ashbery, portfolio holder for built environment and regulation, said these incentives would "hopefully encourage more visits to boost their night-time economy".

The council added that starting from early February, a 50% discount on Thursday morning parking would be available to customers at The Square who spent a minimum of £25 at participating shops.

This trial period would apply until the end of March to encourage additional footfall in the quieter post-Christmas period, the local authority said.

Ashbery added the council was pledging to freeze parking fees at council car parks across the borough until the creation of the new West Surrey Council in April 2027.

The council said the changes were due to take effect in February.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.