Tories are ripping off town-centre residents (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

Tories are ripping off town-centre residents

June 2, 2005 3:16 PM

Cllr Stan Pajak by residents parking zone sign

Liberal Democrats have criticised proposals by the Conservatives to hike up the cost of town-centre Residents Parking fees saying it will do more harm than good for the quality of life for town centre residents. We are demanding a referendum of residents before this scheme is introduced.

Lib Dem Deputy Leader, Cllr Stan Pajak said:

"We've had a referendum in France and Netherlands recently rejected, and I believe that town-centre residents would reject this parking proposal if they were asked. I am calling on the Tories to hold a local referendum before they introduce these parking changes."

Residents parking permits currently cost £12 a year, but Conservative proposals are set to reduce the opportunity for town centre residents to own a second car alongside punishing town centre residents through their pockets with higher annual permit charges.

Cllr Pajak who is the Transport Spokesperson for the Lib Dems continued:

"The Conservatives are holding a loaded gun to town centre residents heads by agreeing to increase residents parking permits to £25 a year for the first permit and £50 for a second permit. By the third year of their proposals residents will have to cough up £150 for a second permit, whilst a third household permit would cost £200.

"This Tory tax-hike is not necessary if residents are given the option to park overnight in town-centre car parks. The Lib Dems are also urging the Tory-run Council to allow residents to use limited parking bays to park near their homes.

"The Tories cure for lack of residents parking places will do more harm than good. Residents Parking should put people first, not simply be used to raise local taxes in such an underhand way. The Tories are ripping off town centre residents. This bad scheme should be thrown out."

Liberal Democrats have always argued that residents' parking is about putting residents first, not swelling the coffers of the Finance Department. Before the Traffic Orders to increase charges and reduce supply are advertised, the Council should hold a referendum. If town centre residents share our view, they must object and fight to get a system that the majority of residents support. They should petition councillors as well as lobby the Leader of the Council.

In conclusion Stan Pajak said:

"This parking tax will not be popular with residents who live in the town centre. They will have the choice of selling their second cars or worse, being forced to sell up and move out of the town centre.

"It's quite astonishing that the Council says it wants to encourage regeneration of the town centre and provide more homes for people to live, but then doubles the car parking tax to residents who already live in the town."