Parking Decision is Overdue

2.44.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jul 2008

Liberal Democrats are asking why the decision on pricing for car parks in Bath has not yet been taken. The decision has been pending for a month.

Liberal Democrats in Bath are campaigning for a £1 flat evening fee to apply in all car parks

A draft of the decision to revise the parking charges in Bath (introducing a £1 flat fee after 6 p.m. in Avon and Charlotte Street car parks) was published on 20th June 2008. Liberal Democrats have been calling for the £1 scheme to be extended to apply to all Bath car parks, believing this would benefit the city's evening economy.

Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Widcombe) said, "We understand that the Cabinet member is awaiting 'the end of the consultation being conducted over this issue' before making his decision but surely enough time has elapsed by now. On the other hand, hopefully this means he is seriously considering the Liberal Democrat call for the flat fee to be applied to all Bath car parks.

"One might wonder whether the Cabinet member has had second thoughts about the proposal and is simply waiting so the proposal can be quietly dropped in the summer when it will be noticed by fewer residents!"

City MP Don Foster added, "After a high profile campaign against the changes to parking policy earlier in the year, we were all pleased to hear that the Cabinet member was re-considering his decision (and by his own admission had been for some weeks). If the Cabinet Member is simply trying to let this issue fade away then he can rest assured that I am still watching with interest, and I have a responsibility to speak up for all the constituents who have contacted me with their concerns about this policy."