South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies has called on the Vale of Glamorgan Council to come clean on the impacts new parking charges are having on local businesses.
Charges have been introduced at The Knap in Barry and at Penarth Seafront, a move many businesses warned would hurt footfall.
The Conservative MS said livelihoods depend on businesses’ ability to trade, and accused the Council of being “tone deaf” for pursuing charges regardless.
He said a full impact assessment must now be carried out, with local businesses consulted and car park usage figures released.
He repeated his calls on the Council to scrap the charges and admit their “latest mistake”.
Mr Davies said:
“The Vale of Glamorgan Council is known for its determination to milk residents.
“Years of inflation busting council tax rises, compounded by cuts to services at the same time, shows where their priorities lie.
“These latest car parking charges are only one example. But their impacts are likely to be profound.
“Businesses in the vicinity rely on footfall. Their customers’ ability to access free and easy parking is a key component to delivering that.
“The Council must come clean on the impacts its policy is having. The Council’s Leader, Lis Burnett, must admit her latest mistake.
“A full impact assessment must be carried out with businesses consulted.
“I repeat my calls for the charges to be scrapped”.
ENDS