Liberal Democrats respond to Parking Charges Decision

5.08.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 5th Sep 2008

In response to news that the Council is to implement the £1 flat fee in Avon and Charlotte Street car parks in Bath, Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Widcombe) commented:

Lib Dems believe that the £1 fee should apply to all car parks

"The Cabinet member's decision to press ahead with flat fee evening rates for parking at only the Avon St and Charlotte St car parks will be taken as a slap in the face by the many Bath residents who contacted me wanting the special rates to apply at all car parks in Bath.

"This decision will, I suspect, do little alleviate gloom among the many city centre attractions and organisations that depend on evening attendances. The two-tier system will also probably lead to confusion among residents and visitors alike as they drive around trying to remember which the '£1' car parks are.

"The process has been a sorry mess from the start - with delays and u-turns by the Cabinet member. Residents will no doubt be thoroughly confused. We can only look forward to an improvement when the long-awaited review of parking policy is announced."

Commenting on the Conservative Cabinet Member's decision, Bath MP Don Foster added, "When the Cabinet Member first said he'd reconsider his decision, we were hoping that the £1 fee would be brought in at the beginning of September, now we find out that it is November 1st, another two months of money grabbing by the Council, who have shown no urgency in responding to all the concerns raised, while letting the city's evening economy suffer over the summer months. Add to this that we are now in another trial period, more uncertainty for people wanting to park in the city centre.

"Having a two tier system is unfair and confusing. The £1 flat fee from 6pm-midnight is a reasonable charge, but it should apply to ALL Bath car parks, not just two. We are punishing people who add so much to this city, such as the special constables who park in Manvers Street car park."