Local Conservative candidates in Plymouth have criticised proposals to introduce new parking charges after a response from Plymouth City Council confirmed there are no specific plans to improve car parks.
The response was sent to Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, who had raised concerns on behalf of residents about the impact of proposed charges at coastal car parks.
The Council confirmed it is considering introducing charges at locations including Jennycliff and Mount Batten, where drivers would get one hour free before being charged £2 to stay longer.
However, in the same response, the Council admitted that there is no dedicated programme in place to improve these car parks, raising concerns that residents will have to pay more without clear investment in facilities.
More than 200 residents who responded to Miss. Smith’s survey said that any new parking charges should be matched by improvements to the condition of car parks, highlighting strong local concern about the proposals. Local Conservative candidates say this highlights a wider issue with Labour’s approach to parking across the city.
Rebecca Smith MP said: “This response confirms that Labour-run Plymouth City Council is looking to introduce new parking charges at places like Jennycliff and Mount Batten, but without any clear plans to improve the car parks themselves.
Residents will find it hard to understand why they are being asked to pay more, while the Council admits there is no programme in place to upgrade these facilities.
These proposals are part of a wider package of parking charge hikes across Plymouth, which will impact residents, visitors and local businesses.
People deserve better than higher charges without better services.”
Dr John Mahony, the Conservative candidate for Plymstock Radford in the May local elections added:
“As a former Plymstock GP for over thirty years, I know how important access to the sea is for local residents’ health and wellbeing. Jennycliff and Mount Batten are hugely valued by local residents, families and visitors.
From what residents are telling me, one hour simply isn’t long enough to properly enjoy these spaces or support local businesses. A free period of at least three hours is the minimum most people would find acceptable.
People want to see these spaces properly maintained and improved, not used as a cash cow. It’s clear the council needs to rethink these plans and listen to local people.”
The Council also confirmed that no final decision has yet been made, with a formal consultation expected.
Miss. Smith and local Conservative candidates are encouraging residents to take part and make their views known using Rebecca’s survey here: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/news/rebecca-launches-survey-have-your-say-plymouths-parking-charges.
