The cabinet of the Conservative run County Council has voted to increase residents parking permit fees by 46.5% across the city.  The ruling group voted for an increase above not only the recommendation of local councillors, but also council staff, who suggested a more modest increase.

Previously the fees were set by a committee of local councillors from Cambridge, but at yesterdays full council meeting the Conservatives at the County Council voted that all on street parking charges should be set by the County cabinet.  Cllr Sarah Whitebread, who spoke at the council meeting against the move, commented “This is outrageous.  The council’s new leader has talked about the importance of localism, but is at the same time taking key powers away from local councillors.  That the cabinet should impose charges so much above what local councillors were recommending shows a complete disregard for residents views.  Parking in the city centre is already a major problem – particularly in the Kite and Park Street areas.  For the County to hike fees by 46.5%, when residents often struggle to find a suitable space, is simply unacceptable.”

Any local residents wishing to write in objection to the decision should contact Graham Lowe, Head of Parking Services, Cambridgeshire Parking Services, 3rd Floor, Cambridge Central Library, 7 Lion Yard, Cambridge, CB2 3QD by no later than 31 May 2011 quoting  “THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE (CIVIL ENFORCEMENT AREA) (WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND STREET PARKING PLACES) ORDER 2008 (AMENDMENT NO. 37) ORDER 201#”