Tory Parking Plans "lack ambition"

The fight to help local traders in Brentwood address the parking problems they are facing during the High Street improvements heated up this week with the Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr David Kendall claiming new Tory plans on parking lacked ambition and didn't go far enough.

The Liberal Democrats want to see Brentwood Borough Council provide one hour free parking in ALL the Town Centre Car Parks from Monday through to Saturday during the duration of the High Street improvements. Their call goes further than what has been called for in a newspaper petition signed by over 1500 residents and is a major improvement on the plans currently being put forward by the Conservatives.

Leader Cllr David Kendall said "The Tories seem to be tinkering around the edges on parking and failing to seriously address the needs of local retailers and residents during this difficult trading period. Our proposals are simple to understand and would provide a clear signal that Brentwood is open for business and wanting to attract new customers. We will highlight suggestions as to where the money can be found to pay for the free parking at the Policy Panel meeting tonight".

The Liberal Democrats have also called for a radical review of parking in time for when the High Street improvements are completed. Their ideas include reintroducing a cash back scheme and other schemes aimed at maximising the capacity at all the town centre car parks during the week and at weekends.

Cllr Kendall said:

"At my instigation we have already had cross party talks to try and move various ideas forward and I am hopeful of some progress.

"Other authorities such as Colchester has shown that a flexible and innovative approach to parking is definitely the way forward"