Liberal Democrats in North East Somerset have expressed their concern over the extra hour Bath and North East Somerset Council is charging local residents to park in city-centre car parks and have welcomed the decision by the Cabinet member to review this policy.

Liberal Democrats in North East Somerset have expressed their concern over the extra hour Bath and North East Somerset Council is charging local residents to park in city-centre car parks and have welcomed the decision by the Cabinet member to review this policy.

The Conservative-run Bath and North East Somerset Council recently decided to charge for an extra hour in the evening, changing the time at which free parking starts from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown) commented:

“The decision to extend the hours of charging was completely crazy. It shows how out of touch our Conservative Council leaders are. The decision has hit hundreds of people, from charity volunteers to restaurant owners. Many of our residents have contacted me about the extra hour of charges which puts them off going to the cinema, theatre or out for a meal in Bath.

“I’ve been amazed by the lack of consultation by the Conservative-run Council. Until the protests began, residents have had no say about a decision made by Council leaders.”

Councillor Sarah Bevan (Lib Dem, Peasedown) added:

“At a time when other costs are rapidly rising, unless the decision is reversed there will be a huge impact on the local economy. Many people are now deciding to travel to Bristol, Frome or Wells instead. This will also adversely affect those people who attend clubs and societies in Bath and who do not live in Bath and so are much more likely to need to drive to evening events.

“Residents of Peasedown, many of whom work in the city, are rightly concerned about the effect on their jobs if the city’s nightlife takes a downturn. Thank goodness the Council leaders have at least agreed to reconsider.”

Councillor Neil Butters (Lib Dem, Bathavon South) said:

“The decision to charge for an extra hour in city car parks prompted a massive show of opposition, including a campaign in the local press. It’s clear that, had a proper consultation been carried out in the first place, the Cabinet member would have realised the effect his decision would have. If he had not put the cart before the horse he could have saved a lot of time and energy!”

Liberal Democrat Councillors called-in the parking charges policy in April. The decision by the Cabinet member to review the parking timings shows that this call-in was valid, despite criticism from the Cabinet. It also shows that had the Tories on the panel not voted along political lines to dismiss the call-in, time would have been saved and the concerns and suggestions mentioned both in the meeting and through other sources could have been considered thoroughly by the Cabinet member before the decision was implemented. Now residents’ will have to wait till July for anything to change.