AN increase in controlled parking zone areas around Farnham station has been proposed by Surrey County Council, as part of initiatives to resolve transport problems in the town.

The parking measures were unveiled as part of the "Getting around Farnham" exhibition at the Maltings, and aim to reduce "inappropriate" commuter parking in residential areas, and encourage the use of existing car parks.

Those living within the existing parking zones currently pay an annual administration fee of £35 for a permit, which they are eligible for if their parking is limited. These principles would continue if the scheme is enlarged.

Under the planned extension, two-hour maximum stay areas would be set up for the benefit of shoppers and businesses.

The areas affected include extensions to Broomleaf Road, Tilford Road and Alfred Road, with new schemes for Morley Road, and Firgrove Hill.

The measures were given a cautious welcome by town councillor Victor Scrivens, who felt that it would encourage people to use alternative forms of transport, but he stressed that any changes made must be in response to what residents say.

"There are many people who are using the streets as a car park, which we must cut down on," he said.

However, he felt that commuters must be taken into consideration as he said many people live in the town because of its good commuter links.

One method he believed that might address the needs of commuters would be the creation of a specific early morning commuter bus service, which was currently under discussion within the council.

His main concern with extension of parking zones was that he did not wish to town "full of yellow lines" which he feared may create areas of speeding traffic, if roads were clearer by the absence of parked vehicles.

Graham Hodgson, Waverley Borough Council engineer, believed that no such problem would occur, as those roads with a wider width would retain their parking facilities, thus excluding such a possibility.

He said: "This plan should benefit residents considerably, and is part of the county council's and government's bid to develop a different approach towards road usage, a "modal shift".

He believed that it would make people visiting the town think it "was a better bet" to take a bus to the area because of parking restrictions.

Besides looking at up-grading the road infrastructure and parking facilities around the town, bus and cycling provisions were also examined as part of the 'Getting about Farnham' initiatives.

A community bus service is planned throughout the borough, being operational by next spring and initially intended for the disabled. It will provide transport to the town for outlying areas which are not currently covered by Stagecoach.

John Hilder, of Surrey County Council environment department, said that after talks with local cycling groups, plans for a "cycling strategy" for the town are under development.

Whilst the compact town centre itself was not suited to cycling, bicycle parks on the outskirts would make cycling a more viable transport option.

Mr Hilder stressed that it was "vitally important" that anyone interested in the future of Farnham should contact them with their views on these issues, either through the questionnaires distributed at the exhibition or at the exhibition website.

Results of the questionnaires will be presented to the county council's Waverley partnership committee before any decisions are made.