Residents fear proposed car park charges and restrictions will push more vehicles onto residential streets, creating congestion and putting schoolchildren at risk.

The plans for Beacon Hill car park have sparked opposition from residents who say drivers could be forced to park outside people's homes rather than use the car park.

At a meeting on Thursday, Beacon Hill Residents' Association criticised Waverley Borough Council's proposals, arguing they failed to meet the needs of the community.

Residents are particularly concerned about proposed parking time limits and the potential impact on local businesses, services and surrounding roads.

Hindhead resident Graham Couch said the restrictions would force him to move his car every three hours, despite working from home.

"So now I have to do the musical chair dance with my car," he said.

"I work from home, so every three hours I have to move it to a street location. That's so convenient!

"Side streets are already packed with residents, so that's going to be fun for everyone."

He also raised concerns about the potential impact on road safety, particularly for children walking to school.

He warned that cars parked on both sides of Beacon Hill Road could effectively turn it into a narrow single-lane route, with drivers forced to negotiate gaps between parked vehicles.

"Queues of traffic waiting to run the gauntlet of available space down the centre of the road. Accidents waiting to happen," he said.

The residents' association is calling on Haslemere Town Council to work with Waverley Borough Council on a parking strategy that takes account of the community's needs.

It also wants the town council to explore whether it could purchase the car park before the transition to the new unitary authority.

The association has urged Waverley to delay introducing charges until a survey has been carried out to assess the impact on residents and businesses.

A public meeting will be held at the Royal British Legion on October 27 at 6.30pm, when residents will be invited to discuss the proposals and plans to object to the proposed parking order.