A ‘SUDDEN’ price hike in parking permits and visitor vouchers have been slammed by Slough residents as “extortionate” – with one launching a petition.
Taxpayers were in for a surprise last week when a letter arrived in their post boxes, announcing resident permit charges and visitor vouchers will increase by 80 per cent from July 19.
After that date, locals wanting a year-long parking permit will be charged the following:
- First residents permit – £45
- Second residents permit – £90
- Third residents permit – £135
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Visitor permits, which allow the homeowner’s guests to park in restricted zones for a certain amount of time, will also see an increase.
For example, residents use to pay £2.50 for five three-hour permits for visitors, but it will now cost £4.
A spokesman for Slough Borough Council said parking permit charges have stayed the same price for 18 years and parking is becoming more of a “premium” in the borough.
Residents vented their anger after they were hit with this ‘sudden’ bill, and a petition has been set up on change.org urging the council to reconsider the “extortionate” price hike.
The petition was launched by Cliff Milton and has so far garnered 15 signatures.
Others questioned the timing of the increased charges as the council announced they were issuing a section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy and freezing all non-essential spending.
One resident wrote: “Suspect that this is part of the measures to raise revenue for the Council now that they are cash-strapped.
“Applications for permits and vouchers are made online, reviewed by a parking office worker, and then issued. It’s likely that there will be an influx of new applications to beat the price rise which will mean a slower turnaround of applications.”
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The spokesman added: “All fees and charges are reviewed yearly, and it was decided to increase these fees in December 2020.
“The increases reflect the costs of running the service and inflation.”
The petition can be viewed here: https://www.change.org/p/tan-dhesi-mp-parliament-uk-slough-council-increase-in-resident-permit-charges?redirect=false
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