North Lanarkshire Council parking fees U-turn

Councillors agreed to bring in parking charges in February as part of the council’s budget process but as businesses struggle to cope under Tier 4 lockdown measures Jim Logue feels the charges would generate little income.

He now intends to table a motion during the council’s Policy and Strategy meeting on Thursday, December 3, to delay their implementation of the controversial fees.

Councillor Logue said:  “The cuts to our council by the SNP Government were the only reason these charges were ever proposed.However, the world has changed since this decision was made and it is unlikely that this proposal would generate anything like the revenue required during these unprecedented times.

“As a result, I have instructed officers to bring a report to the Policy & Strategy Committee on Thursday, December 3, which will seek council support to delay the introduction of parking charges until we have successfully defeated Covid-19.

The Scottish National Party group of councillors has also announced its intention to combat parking charges, last week signalling their intentions to lodge a motion during the full council meeting due to be held on December 17. The SNP are calling for a free permit-based system to be implemented.

Depute group leader Councillor Jordan Linden said:  “In January, the SNP Group voted against parking charges forcing the Labour leader of the council to use his casting vote to introduce charges. 

“Now we learn that there is such concern about that decision and the potential for displaced parking in nearby streets that could negatively impact our residents – meaning that we are therefore consulting on parking permits. 

“We are absolutely clear – the decision of the administration should not hit the pockets of our residents.”