Brighton and Hove parking review is ‘waste of money’ (From The Argus)

Brighton and Hove parking review is ‘waste of money’

5:20pm Thursday 10th May 2012 in park the charges By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Brighton and Hove parking review is ‘waste of money’

For motorists in Brighton and Hove, parking problems are nothing new and there are a number of recurring themes.

Among these are:

• That parking takes place on pavements and grass verges
• Concern about the cost
• Pressure of leaving vehicles in areas next to controlled parking zones.

Almost every driver in the city could tell you that these are the main problems.

So the news that initial conclusions from a citywide parking review has thrown up these issues has been met with disbelief.

What has angered opposition councillors further is that this review carried out by consultants is costing up to £25,000.

Brighton and Hove City Council claims the year-long process will give it the most “forensic” look yet at the contentious issue.

This so-called review should stop now before any more money is wasted

Gill Mitchell, Brighton and Hove City Council Labour and Co-operative group leader

Bosses added the review, which was approved six months ago before the controversial new tariffs came into force in April, would lead to improvements across the city.

But Steve Percy, of the People’s Parking Protest, said: “To spend £25,000 to be told exactly what they already know from people like me and other organisations is an utter, complete waste of money.”

Labour and Co-operative group leader Gill Mitchell said: “The purpose of this parking review has never been made clear but for the Green council to have hired an expensive firm of consultants to tell them what they already know from the many petitions and letters sent in from residents is ludicrous.

“This so-called review should stop now before any more money is wasted and the Greens should get on with consulting residents in areas where parking schemes are being requested.”

Detailed follow-up

As well as the initial findings, an update on the review said more than 100 community groups had been contacted and presentations given to 18 local meetings.

The issues will now be followed up in more detail and letters asking for opinions will be sent out by post.

A similar review was proposed by the previous Conservative administration before last year’s local elections.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, leader of the Conservative group of councillors, said he had expected the review to be completed before different parking tariffs were introduced.

He said: “We certainly envisaged then completing it before introducing new bits and pieces.

“It does not make sense at all.”

He said he had also thought the review would look at areas where parking prices could come down, such as near Preston Park station.

Council leader Bill Randall said the consultation is a “genuine opportunity” and more thorough than previous consultations.

He said: “We want to find out how parking is currently working for people in their area.

“We are particularly interested in people’s ideas and suggested solutions to problems they may have with parking in the city.”

Ian Davey, the council’s cabinet member for transport and the public realm, said: “We are reviewing the effectiveness and impact of current parking schemes on the city with the aim of improving the management of parking for the city as a whole.”

What do you think about the £25,000 report?

Tell us by writing to our letters page, emailing letters@theargus.co.uk or leaving a comment below.

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