Conservatives appalled by Council's plans to introduce parking charges to parks

As has been reported in the press and now available on the council’s website, the Green Administration are proposing to introduce car parking charges to eight popular parks around the city:

  • Easthill Park
  • Happy Valley
  • Hollingdean Park
  • Saltdean
  • Saunders Park
  • Vale Park
  • Victoria Recreation Ground
  • Wild Park

 

However, the proposal provides no details on where around the parks the parking charges will apply, how much will be charged on what days and during which hours.

 

Regardless, the Conservative Group are appalled at the insensitive timing of this proposal and will be voting against the plans.

 

Conservative spokesperson Cllr. Lee Wares said:

 

“The Nation is presently grappling with the impact of the pandemic. People more than ever are needing parks and open spaces for their exercise, health and mental wellbeing and Government and the council are encouraging people, whilst acting safely and responsibly, to use these spaces.

 

“At the very same time, the Green Administration wants to capitalise on this by introducing car parking charges. Invariably, such a proposal will impact low income families and deny many others from accessing these public spaces.

 

“The report says that such a plan will generate £50,000 of income a year; a mere £137 per day. The council thought nothing of spending over £300 a day on marshals to stop Madeira Drive being used or £1,200 a day on a temporary Director for Housing. Last year the council racked in £27.5M on parking charges and fines. Perhaps the council should look closely at the efficiency of collecting that money rather than penalising residents yet again.”

 

Woodingdean Councillor and Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr. Steve Bell said:

 

“Happy Valley is the green lung of Woodingdean used by thousands of people of all ages. With Covid as it is, the park’s popularity and importance has never been greater. The council wanting to charge people to now use that space is abhorrent”.

 

Colleague Cllr. Mary Mears who represents the area around Saltdean said:

 

“This is an unbelievable proposal and just goes to show how out of touch the Green Administration is with citizens. They haven’t consulted with Ward Members and we have no idea of any of the detail. It seems we are facing another example of the Green Administration trying to slip through changes during the pandemic”.

 

ENDS.