A PARKING permit scheme could be implemented in parts of Redhill if residents agree.
Surrey County Council has started an "informal" consultation with people living in the Redstone Hill area to establish levels of support for the scheme.
In a letter to residents, Adrian Harris, a council engineer, said the consultation was due to "concerns from residents about non-resident parking reducing the availability of parking space".
The letter adds the consultation is also due to concerns over the potential impact of a new car park and taxi rank planned for Redhill Station in Redstone Hill.
The permit scheme aims to help residents and their visitors find somewhere to park on Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 6.30pm.
During those times only vehicles displaying a valid resident or visitor permit would be allowed to park in the zones or bays. This would mean commuters heading for the railway station would no longer be able to park in roads such as Redstones Manor and Cavendish Gardens without receiving a fine.
But a permit does not guarantee a space and there are associated costs – £50 for the first permit issued to a household and £75 for each subsequent one. Guest passes would cost residents £2 per day and there would be an allowance of 120 per household of these available each year.
Surrey County Council says the costs would cover the scheme and its administration.
The proposal has outraged one resident who lives in the Redstone Hill area. David Wool, of Redstone Manor, argues that if permits are to be introduced, train companies and Network Rail should pick up the bill.
He told the Mirror: "It's not only us affected but other roads as well.
"We shouldn't have to pay for permits because we live here. So if someone's mother-in-law has to visit she has to pay £2? What effect is it going to have on our property value?
"I wouldn't mind having permits as long as we do not have to pay for them."
When the consultation closes on October 10, the council will analyse the feedback. If the proposals move forward, there will be a more formal consultation during which all members of the public will be asked to comment.
To complete the online survey go to http://tinyurl.com/ naurmvb
