Merton's new parking charges - Lib Dem response

Further to Merton Council's announcement: "New parking charges for a new decade set to reduce pollution in Merton."

Speaking in response to the above announcement, Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Anthony Fairclough said: "None of the evidence presented by the Council supports their claims that the proposals will actually improve air quality.

"The scheme looks like it’s purely about raising revenue, mainly targeted at people who live in areas that don’t tend to elect Labour councillors – Wimbledon and Raynes Park – where the new charges will be highest.

"Instead we want them to look seriously at schemes where the worst polluting vehicles pay more, where support is given to help people change to greener vehicles, and where other positive action is also taken to improve air quality.

"Furthermore, in August the Council's plans were knocked back by a cross-party committee of councillors due to a failure to follow proper equalities procedures. It was identified that there had been a failure to consult with groups representing people with disabilities, pregnant women and those who’ve just given birth, and those on low incomes - over the potentially disproportionate impact of the plans on these groups. Sadly, despite this Labour Council bosses are still pushing on."