Following the successful Conservative "Call In" of the Labour's proposed increases in Car Park charges, the Council agreed to undertake a consultation process with other parties.

Conservative Transport Spokesman Councillor Richard Willis has now submitted his response in which he calls for an hour's free parking to be permitted in as many car parks as possible and certainly in the car parks outside the town centre. He also called for the short and medium term charges to be reduced and the long term charges left unchanged.

Cllr Willis said "25% increases in short term charges in the town centre will only serve to deter the shoppers that Reading needs to keep its economy recovering. I also believe that local shoppers in the car parks outside the town centre should be able to park for free for up to an hour. I very much hope that the Council will take these comments on board and adjust its proposed increase in charges."

4th February 2010