THE President of the Farnham Chamber of Commerce has written to Waverley Borough Council stating his support for the proposed trial pay-on-exit parking system which he believes will create "a more relaxed shopping experience."

Andrew Lodge is hoping that Waverley will give the trial scheme the go-ahead when it goes before the Executive Committee next month.

Last week the Herald reported how a trial scheme had been proposed in response to retailers demands. Retailers believe the current pay-on-display system curtails spending activity by requiring users to preselect the length of parking time.

Managing Director of Elphicks Department Store, Stuart Palmer, was one of many retailers who said that the tendency of users was to select the minimum amount of time possible. This resulted in less time bneing spent in the shops.

Entry to the car park would be controlled by an automatic barrier, issuing a ticket which records the time. Departure is barred by an automatic barrier which can be activated by payment at a pay station on leaving.

Mr Lodge said: "Our members are of the strong view that their customers will not feel rushed to get to the car park because of potential fines. This will create a more relaxed environment for customers who could have more shopping in the town. They may even spend more or have time for coffee or lunch.

"We therefore feel as a Chamber that this is a positive step towards enhancing the Farnham shopping experience and we fully endorse the pilot scheme you are intending to put in place."

Mr Lodge is hoping this time the scheme will be put into practice. Waverley refused in the past because it was considered to costly to implement.

The costs of converting to pay-on-exit is estimated at around £50,000 a year, £45,000 of which is needed to fund a permanent staff presence in case of maintenance problems.

However, a financial advantage to this system would be that all the parking time used is paid for, unlike the pay-and-display system where revenue is often lost due to non or under payment for time parked.

Mr Lodge remarked that neighbouring town centres have the pay-on- exit system in operation and two have already operated on a small scale in Farnham, at Iceland supermarket and The Maltings.

However, spokesperson for Waverley, Robin Ellks, pointed out that both these car parks are privately run and nothing to do with the council.