Surrey County Council: change of ‘phone number

Surrey County Council’s telephone number is changing to 03456 009 009 with effect from December 1st.

Seven new direct dial 0300 numbers are being introduced at the sametime. These will still go through to staff in the contact centre but will allow callers to bypass the voice messages on 03456 009 009 and go straight through to the team they need.

- Libraries: 0300 200 1001
- Registration: 0300 200 1002
- Roads and transport: 0300 200 1003
- Schools: 0300 200 1004
- Adult social care: 0300 200 1005
- Children’s social care: 0300 200 1006
- Jobs: 0300 200 1007

Calls to an 03 number from any network will cost no more than those to 01 or 02 numbers. 03 numbers are also included in most call packages.

The old 08456 009 009 number won’t be switched off for up to five years so you will still be able to contact the existing ‘phone services without incurring additional expense.

Please do let me know if you have any problems with these new numbers and I will communicate your concerns directly to the County Council.

Car parking charges

From January, there are to be some changes to the rates charged for car parking in the Borough.

- Up to 1 hour 20p (was 50p)
- 1-2 hours 50p (was £1.00)
- 2-3 hours £1.00 (was £1.50)
- 3-4 hours £1.50 (was £2.00)
- 4-5 hours £2.00 (was £2.50).

Cllr Patrick Roberts, chairman of the Economic Development Committee said: “Car Park Charges are an emotive subject but nevertheless are an important source of revenue for the Borough. It has been our policy to ensure our car parks make a reasonable positive contribution, are competitive with our neighbouring towns, and are available to support the community and our retailers.”

“In a period of rising inflation, we have decided to hold our current price levels for the majority of our car park users. There will be increases for all day users and season ticket holders but it has been our aim to peg prices below the equivalent alternatives in other town centres or neighbouring car parks.”

“Our village centre car parks have been under utilised since the introduction of charging and it is our objective to provide low cost short term parking.”

“In the current environment any increase in motoring costs will be unwelcome but we have endeavoured to develop a balanced and reasonable tariff across the Borough and keep increases to the minimum.”