New Parking Scheme Defended

8.24.00pm GMT Sat 29th Sep 2007

Responding to claims that the Council is "dogmatically anti-car", Cllr David Trigg said, "We most certainly are not anti-car. We are, however, unashamedly anti-pollution."

The Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking continued: "The environment is at the heart of Council decision-making, and a sustainable future and the fight against climate change is what motivates this administration. We make no apology for that." ??"Cllr Seymour's claim," he continued, "is based on the new parking charges linked to CO2 emissions - a bold, groundbreaking move we are delighted is being copied by many other local authorities, not just in this country, but overseas too." ??He reiterated that the scheme was intended to be revenue-neutral and confirmed that "In the event that there is a surplus, this would be ploughed back into transport-related improvements in the borough. To label is as a stealth tax is as inaccurate as it is absurd." He fully accepted the controversial nature of the scheme meant that it would continue to generate argument.

"But", he continued, "have no doubt about our motives and the importance of what is at stake. Climate change is the most serious environmental threat facing the planet and the Council has set in train moves, at grass-roots level, to help to counter the problems."

"It is our sincere hope", he concluded, "that in the not too distant future such schemes will become the norm, not only in this country, but across the world."