SCRAP COUNCIL'S HIKE IN CAR PARK CHARGES - GIDLEY

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Jun 2008

Test Valley MP, Sandra Gidley is calling on the borough council to scrap the huge post election hikes in car parking charges to help combat rising fuel prices and get the borough's town centres back in business.

Sandra said the increase in car parking charges across the borough, a whopping 83.3% for 30 minutes or 17.65% for 2 hours, was 'cynical' and 'counterproductive'.

Speaking today from Westminster, Sandra commented:

"With fuel prices hitting 117p per litre on the forecourt across Hampshire, visitors to towns like Romsey and Andover will be harder to attract this summer.

"The Conservative controlled borough council's move to introduce large increases in car parking charges in a post election year is both cynical and ill-timed.

"Car parking increases serve as an extra tax on residents in our rural areas and villages who make essential journeys to their nearest town. Tourists and visitors will also think twice before travelling as rising fuel prices put extra pressure on family budgets. To add insult to injury, the council have installed new machines which don't even give change or allow more time for any extra money paid.

"We are at the start of a make or break opportunity for many businesses struggling to stay afloat amid higher fuel costs and the credit crunch. It seems perverse that the council is undermining their own efforts to help traders and businesses at this critical time by slapping large increases on parking charges."

ENDS