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Visitor parking charge plans cause outrage
THERE was anger today at plans by council bosses to make residents fork out £19 for visitors' parking permits – when previously, it cost nothing.
THERE was anger today at plans by council bosses to make residents fork out 19 for visitors' parking permits – when previously, it cost nothing.Residents and councillors branded the proposals "sneaky" and "outrageous", claiming it was making people in one of the most deprived areas of Peterborough stump up cash they just didn't have.
They also said a notice with tiny print was stuck to a telegraph pole in roads but the city council failed to inform them by letter.
The introduction of a paid-for visitors' pass is part of city-wide plans to overhaul residential parking charges.
A protest meeting has been organised so people can voice their objections.
One 61-year-old pensioner from Clarence Road, Millfield, said: "The worst is the visitor's permit. It used to be free.
"I know so many people that are unhappy about this.
"I live in Millfield and there are a lot of pensioners that need visits from their family and friends.
"It's diabolical.
"I have a car and live alone. I have a neighbour of 94. She lives alone and gets visit from her son.
"She also has a carer. She's quite upset. At her age, she doesn't want this worry."
She added: "They put a notice on a pole in small print. We didn't get a letter.
"This will affect the whole of the city, it's not just one or two areas.
"I couldn't believe they are doing it in these times when people are having to be careful with money.
"And it's near Christmas. It's like they are trying to sneak it through."
Cllr Nazim Khan, who represents the Central ward, which falls within the most deprived 10 per cent in England, said: "It's outrageous. How can they justify going from free to 19?
"You had to have a magnifying glass to read the notice, and no letters were sent out.
"The worst hit area will be the centre of Peterborough, one of the most deprived areas.
"People are having charge upon charge imposed on them. It’s another stealth tax.”
But Peterborough City Council’s head of environment, transport and engineering David Farquhar said the proposed changes were the first price increases for more than five years and equated to an annual increase of less than five per cent over that time.
He added: “Income from the proposed changes will be used to support the council’s car park improvement programme, highway maintenance work and subsidised bus services in Peterborough.”
He said notices have been placed in the reception areas of all council buildings, on street furniture in every street with parking bays and in local newspapers.
He said: “As the number of residents affected is so huge, it would not be cost efficient to send each household a letter indicating the proposals.”
Peterborough’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the Labour Party Ed Murphy, said the proposals would come as a “nasty” shock to hard-pressed families.
He said: “If we assume that our typical family receives an average of two visitors per week over a year (not including the regular visitors who have designated permits), the proposed scratch card permit bill will be 104.
“Add this to the other increased costs and the price increases from 20 to a staggering 180 per year.”
n Residents can make comments about the proposed changes by writing to David Farquhar, Head of Environment, Transport and Engineering, Peterborough City Council, Bridge House, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1HB before 4pm on Thursday..
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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