City council cutting cost of parking zone permits
THE COST of parking permits for residents and businesses is set to be slashed under new proposals from Sheffield City Council.
Liberal Democrats have revealed they are set to cut the cost of parking permits in all resident parking zones, including making it free for those with 'green' vehicles.
Under the current pricing scheme, residents are charged 36 per year for the first parking permit and 72 extra per additional permit. Businesses are similarly charged 72 and 144.
Lib Dems are proposing that resident's permits are cut to 10 and 30. They also want to see permits for businesses reduced to 20 and 60.
It is estimated that the plan will put 184,000 per year back into people's pockets, when planned further schemes are introduced.
It is also proposed to halve the cost of visitor permits to all residents and businesses in the area, meaning each book of 25 vouchers will be 2.50 instead of 5.
Resident parking zones currently operate Broomhall and The Groves, Broomhill, Sharrow Vale and Crookesmoor. Further zones are due to start in other areas such as Highfields and there is consultation to roll out similar schemes in Hillsborough and elsewhere.
Coun Paul Scriven, Liberal Democrat Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "These zones should never have been set up with such a high charge. But the Labour leadership at the time saw it as a great opportunity to squeeze more money out of local residents.
"Liberal Democrats intend to redress the balance so that money goes back into local people's pockets at a time when everyone needs all the financial help they can get."
In addition the Lib Dems intend to make permits free for low carbon emission vehicles. This would include vehicles in Vehicle Excise Duty Band A (emissions up to 100g/km), Band B (CO2 emission 101-110g/km) and vehicles up to and including 1000cc registered before February 28 2001.
Coun Scriven added: "I believe that the best way to encourage people to turn green is to offer incentives. Therefore I'm delighted that we are set to make permits for green vehicles free.
"This just goes to show that whilst others might talk about green policies, the Lib Dems are the ones who are committed to delivering them on the ground."
A report with the new proposals is due to come before the Council's Cabinet for approval in September.
Residents who are due to renew their permits have been given an extension so that they can take advantage of the proposed new reduced rates next month.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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