Deputations/Petitions/Questions
To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.
Minutes:
Deputation in relation to item 14
Mr Bruno Carr addressed the Cabinet in relation to agenda item 14. He informed Members that he was supporting the 2200 residents, 85% of the consultation respondents, that were against the proposal to increase the charges for parking permits in the borough and whom he felt were being ignored. Mr Carr felt that, given the current economic climate, it was untimely to increase any charges.
He felt that the response to the objections in the report was weak and questioned the presentation of these objections and how the evidence had been added to support these. He continued to contend that there was greater emphasis in the document on the positive responses to the consultation rather than those objecting.
Mr Carr continued to question the principles behind the increased parking permit charges, highlighting the higher proportionate percentage increase to parking permits for more environmentally efficient cars against more polluting cars. The proposed changes were also not fully aligning to the Ultra Low Emissions Zone vehicle categories. There had already been careful analysis and assessment of the vehicles by TFL experts and scientists of low emission vehicles that were to be encouraged for purchase and use. The proposals seemed to penalise residents that had bought these vehicles.
He requested that the Cabinet Members either defer the decision for six months, and reassess the economic situation, or reassess the charges to match the ULEZ.
The Leader thanked Mr Carr for his deputation.
In response to questions from Cabinet Members, Mr Carr responded as follows: