Statement from Alun Cairns MP on the proposals to introduce Car Parking Charges:
I am incredibly disappointed that at a Full Meeting of the Vale Council on Monday 29 July, the Labour Party voted to reject a motion which would have scrapped proposals to introduce Car Parking Charges in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Constituents will be aware that I have been a long-standing opponent of parking charges, fighting against them four years ago when the last Labour-led Council tried to introduce them. Now proposals are back on the table, it’s absolutely vital that Councillors come together in the best interest of the Vale to scrap them.
We heard strong objections to charges from Labour Councillors when they sat in opposition, it’s frustrating to see that they have backtracked now that they’re in control of the Council.
The proposed charges would be devastating to our local economy, damaging the excellent local business offer that we have in Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and across the whole of the Vale. They risk undoing all of the good work that has been done to build up the Vale as a destination. This will be a hammer blow to local traders and those who choose to shop locally supporting small shops. We always hear politicians encouraging us to support small shops, they are now making this much more difficult.
Introducing car parking charges is against the will of our community. I have campaigned along with residents and local businesses against Labour’s attempt to start charging in the past and we stand ready to do so again.
