Runnymede Council Announces Parking Fee Hikes Amidst Financial Losses

Runnymede is preparing for an increase in parking charges, potentially up to 10p, as the local council aims to achieve annual savings of £4.1 million in operational expenses. According to Runnymede Borough Council, a parking review concluded that “minimal” fee adjustments are necessary, attributing this to a £160,000 reduction in parking revenue since the pandemic began. Effective April 2025, hourly rates at car parks in town centres will go up by 10p, while those at facilities located outside the town centre will increase by 5p per hour. Parking at outdoor sites, including parks and cemeteries, will offer three hours of complimentary use, after which a flat fee of £2.80 will apply. Additionally, the borough council plans to implement 30 minutes of free parking at two locations within Egham and is establishing a system to provide free parking for community gatherings. A spokesperson for the council stated: “We don’t intend to close any locations and no-one wants to increase charges, but we have to take difficult decisions to balance our books.” The spokesperson continued: “We are on a journey to making sure the fees paid by motorists who choose to use our car parks actually meet the future cost of running our parking service. ” They further added: “These increases are absolutely not about making a profit but we must continue to cover our costs.”