Call for Angus Council to review controversial parking charges in six months

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie has written to the Convener of Angus Council’s Communities Committee, Mark Salmond, over controversial parking charges introduced by the local authority in November ahead of a meeting of the Committee next Tuesday.

At the Communities Committee’s next meeting members will discuss a number of proposals including bringing in the option of paying for parking with cash and introducing monthly and quarterly parking permits.

Mr Hosie welcomed the proposals however urged the council to review the charges in six months when “enough evidence has been gathered to tell if their introduction has been a success or not.”

The proposals come after December was branded a “dismal” month for the scheme after a 10% drop in income generated from parking machines in December compared to the previous month.

Commenting Stewart Hosie said:

“At a time when our highs streets should have been bustling with folk doing their Christmas shopping, it is disappointing that Angus Council decisions seem to have put folk off shopping locally.”

“I understand that tough decisions have to be made however I hope that, as well as accepting these proposals on Tuesday, the Council will commit to reviewing the charges after six months when enough information has been gathered to tell if their introduction has been a success or not.”

“Many of my constituents and business owners in the area are really worried about the damaging effects these charges will have on our communities and high streets, I only hope the Council will finally listen to reason and listen to the people of Angus.”

ENDS