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Local MP attacks Green’s parking permit hike

By James Ledward
Jan 9, 2012 - 9:04:42 PM
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Simon Kirby, MP

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven has criticised Brighton and Hove Council’s Green administration for proposing a huge increase in the cost of annual business and trader parking permits.

Under the Green’s proposals the cost of an annual Business Parking Permit will rise from £175 to £400, whilst a Trader Parking Permit will rise from £350 to £750.

Simon said:
“These increases will place unnecessary strain on local traders and small business owners, at a time when many of them are already struggling to stay afloat in difficult economic circumstances.

"I firmly believe that this stealth tax will have a detrimental effect on the city and that any increased revenue that is generated for the Council will come at a great cost to the economy of Brighton and Hove.

"It is further evidence that the Greens ignore the pressures facing business owners and traders and fail to comprehend the realities of running a business.

"Local residents have launched an e-petition on the Council’s website, calling on the Green administration to abandon this policy. 

"I would urge any of my constituents who share these concerns to add their name to the petition, and send a clear message to the Greens that the city’s interests must be protected."

The petition can be accessed here:
http://present.brightonhove.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=295&RPID=3653703&HPID=3653703

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Cllr Ian Davey

Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm Cllr Ian Davey countered, saying:
“Traders' permits were brought in at an introductory level many years ago and never reviewed. We are proposing an increase which means it will cost just over £2 a day to park all day anywhere in the city. This remains good value and is much cheaper than other authorities. For example Lewes charges £1,000 a year.

“Many traders have had to wait for up to two years to be eligible a permit, but we’ve decided to unlock the quota to save them the red tape and expense of waivers and day tickets.

“We are also proposing setting business parking permits at £400 per year, or less than £2 a day – where Lewes charges £1,000 and Eastbourne £420. We need to manage demand for these permits, as they are not available in the city centre because of lack of spaces, and many adjoining areas are at or approaching capacity.

“We are mindful that some people need to get around by car. By the same token though, unnecessary congestion has a wider negative economic impact and disrupts residents’ lives.

“Mr Kirby’s Conservative Government is cutting a third of the city’s grant over four years. This is well above the average for councils in England & Wales.

“If Mr Kirby is concerned about businesses and residents, perhaps he can begin by recognising the devastating economic impacts his Government’s reckless spending cuts are having on the city?”


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