Wokingham Conservatives have launched two petitionsr elating to the Liberal Democrat administration’s plans to introduce possible charges at currently free-to-use car parks in the borough.
On November 21, Wokingham Today revealed how Wokingham Borough Council could be set to introduce additional charges for car parking where none currently exist.
An item discussed at a meeting of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee suggested that a ‘desktop assessment’ had been carried out with a view to ascertaining the projected income the council could expect from introducing new parking charges.
Sites identified were mentioned as Cantley Park, Avery car park in Finchampstead, and several sites in Shinfield and Woodley.
This week, Wokingham’s Conservative opposition has launched two petitions, seeking opinions from residents about the proposals.
Speaking to Wokingham Today, one councillor described the exercise as “information gathering” prior to forming an official stance on the plans.
Notes on the website asking for opinions regarding Cantley Park, said: “The Lib Dems are planning to introduce car parking charges at Cantley Park. The plan was revealed at a recent council meeting following a question from the Conservatives.
“The local community uses the car park at Cantley Park to visit Wokingham Theatre, use the sports facilities such as football pitches, tennis courts, children’s play equipment or dog walking. “
“It is a central facility that is a key part of our community.
“Introducing car parking charges would cause huge disruption in the local area. It would add further cost and inconvenience to hard-working families. And would lead to chaos with cars parking on neighbouring roads.”
Wokingham Borough Council has said it needs to find additional sources of revenue, or make savings, and that alternative sources of revenue need to be found.
