Lib Dems Shocked by Cabinet Humbug

12.00.00am GMT Fri 10th Jan 2003

Lib Dems on Bedford Borough Council have spoken out against plans by the Mayor and his cabinet which look set to increase town centre shoppers car parking charges by over 40%. The new set of charges agreed will make it more expensive to use town centre car parks than on street parking.

Speaking after the cabinets decision to increase short stay car parking charges by 40% Liberal Democrat group leader Michael Headley said:

"I'm shocked that the Mayor and his Labour and Conservative cabinet colleagues have put up parking charges by around 40%. This will do nothing to help our town centre shops - it's just the New Year present from the Mayor that they don't need. These charges mean you're better off parking on the street than in the car parks."

He added,

"Despite some crocodile tears from the odd cabinet member not one of them Tory, Labour or Independent would vote against these outrageous decisions."