Lib Dem doubts over Labour's new parking proposals

12.32.17pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 25th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrats have raised doubts over the Labour Council's new proposals for parking charges in Haringey. Labour has proposed a new scheme mimicking Lib Dem plans in Richmond that will tie charges to CO2 emissions.

Lib Dem leader of the opposition Neil Williams commented

"While we support environmental taxes in principle, it has yet to be seen whether Haringey can come up with a workable scheme, and not just engaging in a knee jerk reaction to raise cash without coming up with a workable policy or consulting local people properly.

Rather like Stop-and-Shop, Haringey propose to go straight to statutory consultation. The council has just "consulted" with residents in Fortis Green, Bounds Green, Stroud Green and Hornsey over introduction of CPZs - and the Council gave cost for residents permit as £25 for 12 months. Is it any wonder that residents are utterly cynical about the way Haringey consults?

Also, it remains to be seen whether this policy will work as effectively in Haringey as compared with other boroughs. Camden is pretty much one giant CPZ, and Haringey is not. The Labour lead member was completely unable to say last night what proportion of residents would end up paying this tax."

We would love to support a fair and workable scheme, but let's see the council demonstrate that it has come up with one - they certainly have not done so far."

Cllr Martin Newton, Lib Dem spokesperson for Transport, Highways and Streetscene, added:

"What is being proposed is just "gesture politics" owing more to a need to fill holes in the Labour budget plan rather than doing anything significant to reduce CO2 emissions. The Labour Council must also ring-fence any extra revenue raised as a result of this review for environmental projects.

What is being proposed will unfairly penalise those car owners on low incomes who can't afford to switch to newer or lower emission vehicles.

Other changes are very unfairly targeted at disabled drivers with administration fees being recommended for blue badges and companion badges".