CPZ Charges: no increases planned

One of the questions we were asked back when we launched our legal action was whether, even if won, the Council may simply try again to increase CPZ parking charges for residents.

It seems for the moment at least that neither the current administration nor the Lib Dem or Labour oppositions plan any increases (perhaps they have one eye on the upcoming elections?). The Council has recently published their proposed fees and charges for next year and the good news therefore is that no increases for CPZ residents are planned. You can see details of all of the the proposals and also respond to the consultation here:

http://engage.barnet.gov.uk/environment-and-operations/street-scenes-fees-charges-2014-15/consult_view 

Despite charges being frozen or being subject only to modest increases, there are still a few ugly remnants of the old discredited parking regime:

• As if moving house wasn't expensive enough, you have to factor in the cost of a parking suspension. Barnet charge a £63.50 flat charge PLUS £63 each day  - so a minimum of £126.50. If you have a removal van, you will need 2 or 3 parking spaces to be suspended, so you're looking at around £300 or £400. Don't even think of needing a skip outside your home for a couple of weeks!
• Any change to a parking permit or requesting a refund costs £21.  So there's no point cancelling a permit which has 6 months or less to run as it will cost you more than the refund you are entitled to.
• A 3 month temporary permit (useful perhaps if your child is home from college for the summer) costs a truly ridiculous £252.

Whilst we have won the war over the cost of residents' permits and visitor vouchers, these hangovers from the old charging regime are still hugely unfair.  If you agree, please let Barnet know by responding to the consultation by 20 March.