Biggin Hill: Hike in Lebanon Gardens Carpark Charges Stopped

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 10th Jan 2004

The Council were proposing to increase car park charges in Lebanon Gardens by 100% up to 4 hours and by 50% for over 4 hours. An increased charge of 20p for 1 hour, 40p for 2 hours, £1 up to 4 hours and £1.50 for over 4 hours. Councillor Bob Shekyls pointed out to the committee that the biggest users of the car park are patients going to the Doctors and it is unfair to penalize them. Many people collecting prescriptions and those taking and collecting children from the Pre-School don't use the carpark. They mostly park in the un-made part of Lebanon Gdns or Stock Hill. Shoppers however usually park in the Main Road where it is free. The Environ- ment Executive Councillor has agreed not to increase charges this year. Cllr Bob Shekyls said, "I am pleased it has been agreed, I have always said that if the carpark was free it would reduce the congestion in Lebanon Gardens that occurs at certain times of the day. As it is the carpark is under used and is not serving the purpose it was intended."