A new parking zone in Epsom has led to claims of empty parking bays and cars displaced to surrounding roads, prompting inevitable calls for it to be extended to ease pressure there.

Concerned residents contacted the Epsom Guardian last week to voice their issues with the parking zone, which was introduced by Surrey County Council (SCC), on June 1, allowing only residents who have purchased £50 or £75 parking permits to park in designated roads during restricted times.

Menno Jansz, of Dirdene Gardens, Epsom, said: "Councillors know that once they get the zones in place they can keep expanding them as the parking problem naturally moves to another area.

"The only reason councillors want them is because, as illustrated in other councils, they generate millions of pounds in revenue."

Matt Siviter, of Worple Road, Epsom, agreed and said: "The result is empty parking bays along these roads and resultant increase of parking along adjoining roads."

He also questioned the way Epsom Council is enforcing the parking zone: "I observe the town hall based parking enforcement staff hiding in a predatory manner on Worple Road every morning at 8:29am. 

"I assume they make their quota quite quickly as they are not seen for the rest of the day."

A SCC spokeswoman said: "We are surprised at this response as we generally don't install residents' parking bays unless residents ask for them, and a full consultation was carried out before installation."

Epsom town councillor Neil Dallen said that "in general everyone seems very happy with the parking" and that "we have got residents now who would like to join the club".

He added: "That's a good thing and what we thought would happen." 

SCC has said that there are plans to extend the scheme, but that it will review it to see how it is working. 

A spokeswoman said: "There could be more resident schemes in the future if there is support from residents and the local committee".

Last week the Epsom Guardian reported that funeral directors W. A. Truelove and Son, the only business in Church Road, Epsom, where residents’ parking has been introduced, warned it may have to pull out of Epsom as its bereaved clients are no longer able to park outside its premises.

Coun Dallen added: "We are not trying to shut business.  The company has been given some temporary permits to alleviate the situation in the short-term and we will be reviewing any problems for them in September for the long-term."

What do you think of the new parking zone? Leave a comment below or email hmatharu@london.newsquest.co.uk