A petition has been launched to stop Labour and the Liberal Democrats introducing car parking charges in South Gloucestershire.
South Gloucestershire is currently one of the few places in the country that still offers free parking in all council-owned car parks. It has been one of the Conservative Group’s most popular long-standing policies.
But the Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition that runs the council is proposing to scrap the policy and start charging people to park their cars, despite both parties promising not to.
In response, the opposition Conservative Group has launched a petition to urge the administration to change its mind.
The Conservatives fear that car parking charges will negatively impact high streets and local businesses, and will see an additional cost being imposed on residents.
Cllr Sam Bromiley, Leader of the Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I would urge everybody to take a moment to sign the petition to declare their opposition to car parking charges.
“It is unfair and unnecessary to start charging people to park their cars in South Gloucestershire, and I call on the coalition to scrap the proposals at the earliest opportunity.
“The administration should be doing all it possibly can to support residents instead of saddling them with additional costs, costs that will inevitably be felt by local businesses right across the district.
“The Conservative Group will fight these proposals every step of the way.”
To sign the petition, click here.