Bid to halt parking permit price rise

Labour-led Sheffield Council put forward the increases, claimed by opposition Liberal Democrat councillors to be as high as 260 per cent, as part of plans to balance the books in the face of Government cuts.

The plan was due to be approved by the full council at a meeting late yesterday.

The Liberal Democrat group had urged their Labour counterparts to reverse the plan ahead of the meeting.

According to figures in a council report, the first permit for residents is set to increase to £36 next year, from £10 in 2011-12. A second permit will rise to £72 from the previous charge of £30, while charges for businesses will rise from £20 to £72.

Lib Dems said the decision to raise the charges comes as an embarrassment to Sheffield Labour MP Paul Blomfield, who ran a high-profile campaign against parking permit profits in 2009 under the slogan No Ifs, No Buts, No Profits. Lower the Permit Prices.

Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, Lib Dem leader and councillor for the Broomhill area, where residents have protested about the increases, said: “It’s unfair that Labour councillors are again fleecing local motorists to pay for their political pet projects.

“Parking permit zones were created to support local residents – not as a money-making scheme for the council.

“I hope Labour councillors will see sense and drop this excessive hike.”

Anders Hanson, who represents the Nether Edge area, said: “The last thing families who are struggling to pay their bills need is a hike in the parking permit charge.

“And it’s not residents but local businesses who are suffering as well. Many independent businesses in my area will be worried about the impact this extra charge will have.”