We have started a petition against petition against increases in parking permit charges proposed by the Labour Executive in charge of Brent Council, you can sign it here: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/parkingpermits
Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) were introduced in Brent over many years 
with the aim of protecting local residents living near underground stations, busy shopping areas and large event venues such as Wembley Stadium.
Residents understood that CPZs had to be self funding and that a charge for their Parking Permit had to be levied to cover the cost of establishing a CPZ and for their maintenance and enforcement. They were assured that the charges would be reasonable and that the Council would NOT over charge or make a profit from them.
When Liberal Democrats led Brent Council we introduced a FREE permit for environmentally friendly cars as an incentive for residents to think of the environment and consider switching to more energy efficient and less polluting cars. We kept the promise to keep charges for other cars at a fair level.
Now Labour Councillors are planning to break that promise to residents with their proposals to raise charges by for Parking Permits in CPZs by up to 300% in some instances. Residents will see an increase of between £25 – £250 in the cost of their permits. The amount collected from them by the Labour controlled Council will increase from less than £900,000 per year to around £2 million per year.
For example, if your car was made after 2001 and has Vehicle Emissions (gCO2/km) of 131-150 or your car is older than 2001 and has an engine size of 1.2-1.5 litres, your first permit will increase by £25 to £75 per year.
If your car was made after 2001 and has Vehicle Emissions (gCO2/km) of 176-200 or your car is older than 2001 and has an engine size of 1.8-2.4 litres, your first permit will increase by £75 to £125 per year.
Liberal Democrats consider these proposals very unfair especially as many CPZs were originally introduced when Labour run the Council and when clear promises about level of charges were made.
By Law the Council has to consult local residents and the consultation will start soon. Labour plan to introduce the increased charges from 1 April 2011 and residents should take the opportunity to respond to the consultation.
Local residents can also support the Liberal Democrat Campaign against these unfair Labour rises by signing the Petition here:
http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/parkingpermits
As residents know car users already pay taxes on the use of their cars. There is substantial amount of tax included in the price of petrol and diesel, Car Excise tax is variable with higher emission cars paying more and there is also tax in car insurance. These are the correct taxes to use to encourage car owners to think about the environmental impact of their car and consider switching to a more energy efficient and less polluting cars depending on individuals needs. In our view it is unfair to penalise residents in CPZs especially as the Zones were introduced with the aim of protecting them and not making a profit from them, as Labour Councillors now propose.
