Residents' parking shake-up under fire (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Residents' parking shake-up under fire

SWINDON Council's ruling Conservative group has defended itself against claims that it did not consult people about its proposals for residents' parking.

Last week the council cabinet discussed the phasing out of second permits for residents.

There are around 7,800 households within residents' parking zones, but only 3,500 parking spaces.

The council has issued more than 4,600 parking permits.

The price of a second permit will go up over the next three years from October.

At a meeting of the council's scrutiny review board last night leader of the Labour group Kevin Small (Western) said that he had concerns over the extent of the council's consultation.

Coun Jemima Milton (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon), lead member for environment and property, said: "We did an amazing amount of consultation.

"We went to all the different zones and we had six different meetings.

"We then had a whole day meeting at the council offices and had about 40 people at that."

Coun Small also objected to spaces being rationed on the basis of price.

Coun Milton said: "If we don't look at rationing we will carry on with people not being able to find parking spaces."

After the meeting Coun Small said: "This is a typical Tory decision. It lets the power of somebody's pocket decide what they can do, rather than recognising that this means some people having less access to goods and services."