Local Lib Dems welcome Cheshire East retreat on Car Parking Charges

6.23.55pm GMT Tue 19th Jan 2010

Dr Peter Hirst, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Congleton is pleased Cheshire East Council has at long last seen sense and decided to reconsider its plans to implement car parking charges throughout the Borough.

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Hirst says, "This is obviously a significant development though it does not necessarily mean the battle is won. I welcome this announcement in as far as it means that no charges will be implemented in most of the borough until a further review has been conducted.

He continues, "It is ominous that they are proceeding with taking over the enforcement of on-street parking and plans for residents' parking permits, both forerunners for the eventual imposition of these charges, possibly after the General Election.

"There is still also the matter of the charges to be introduced in Congleton next month.

The Council should also drop these immediately.

"It might be that the damage has already been done and shoppers will decide to visit larger centres where it is more likely parking will remain free."

He concludes, " The opposition to car parking charges will remain and I have a feeling this is a political decision, based on the harm the implementation would have had on the result in this constituency of the coming General Election."