CONSERVATIVES IGNORE PARKING CHARGE PROTEST

11.10.17am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 19th Apr 2009

Following the campaign opposing the Borough Councils proposal to charge £25 for the first residents parking permit, and to bring charges in for parking in Maidstone's Car parks on Sundays, the Conservatives have ignored the Consultation, and the recommendation of the Joint Transport Board, and signed traffic regulations that would allow these to be imposed without delay.

To permit them to do this they have deferred until the autumn the additional proposal to reduce waiting time, and to introduce visitor parking charges, which is the only section that actually required the authority of the Kent County Council.

Liberal Democrats have called the decision in for Scrutiny, and an extraordinary meeting of the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee has been called for Thursday 23rd April 2009 at 6.30pm at the Town Hall and is open to all residents, who can speak at the discretion of the Chairman. Should you wish to speak, it will be worth you registering with the Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Esther Bell on 01622 602463. I suspect the Chairman will allow a set maximum of up to ten people to speak on the night.

This is probably the last opportunity we have to change the mind of the Conservative Cabinet.