"Scrap Councils' Hike In Car Park Charges"

2.36.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 3rd Jun 2008

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt is calling on Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils to scrap huge post election hikes in car parking charges to help combat rising fuel prices and get town centres back in business.

Mr Burt said the increase in car parking charges across the districts, a whopping 33% in MHDC car parks, was 'cynical' and 'counterproductive'.

Richard Burt said: "With fuel prices hitting 117p per litre on the forecourt in Worcestershire, visitors to towns like Tenbury, Pershore and Upton will be harder to attract this summer, just twelve months on from last year's devastating floods.

"The Conservative controlled district councils' move to introduce large increases in car parking charges in a post election year is both cynical and ill-timed.

"Car parking increases serve as an extra tax on residents in our rural areas and villages who make essential journeys to their nearest town. Tourists and visitors will also think twice before travelling as rising fuel prices put extra pressure on family budgets.

"We are at the start of a make or break opportunity for many businesses struggling to recover after last year's floods. It seems perverse that the district councils are undermining their own efforts to help traders and businesses at this critical time by slapping large increases on parking charges ."