FARNHAM motorists could be paying more to park in Waverley-owned car parks from April, in a council move to raise £125,000 and help balance its books.
Commuters, annual season ticket holders and users of Waverley's long-term contract car parks are the most likely to be affected, to meet a budget shortfall of £546, 400.
The Herald understands the increases could be as much as five per cent - considerably higher than the rate of inflation.
The new increases, if they are agreed by councillors next month, follow last year's increases of up to 20 per cent in Waverley car parks.
But the good news, according to David Harmer, leader of the Tory-controlled Waverley, is that shoppers and short-stay car parking charges could be held, if he has his way.
"We need to look closely at what the options are," said Mr Harmer.
He said that because more motorists had used car parks in the district over the past year, it should "generate a large chunk of the £125,000 required," and he has asked council officers to take another look at the figures.
"We pledged in our manifesto two-and-a-half years ago that we would not increase shoppers parking," he added.
Other money-saving measures expected to be agreed early next year include a 20p increase on the price of Meals on Wheels and increased charges for sports and recreation facilities.
Also being considered is Waverley's future recruitment policy and other budget reductions.