PARKING charges must be “reasonable”, local government minister Brandon Lewis recently said (July 22) after campaigners won a landmark High Court case against increased charges in Barnet.
Mr Lewis said: “This Government has been very clear that parking charges are not, and should not be, a town hall stealth tax on local residents.
“We have scrapped the Labour government’s guidance which pressured councils to hike up parking charges. Indeed, making sure that car parking charges are reasonable is an important way in which councils can help support their local high streets and local shops.”
Because of this I wonder whether over recent years Huntingdonshire District Council have made ‘a profit’ on car parks resulting in a ‘stealth tax’. I feel Councillor Nick Guyatt, the HDC councillor responsible for car parking, should come forward and highlight whether car parks in HDC control make a profit or just break even.
If not, I am sure our county newspaper will be keen to find out on behalf of their readership.
ROGER COXHEAD
Dove House Close
Godmanchester
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here