In league tables published this week Medway Council have come out as the council with the highest increase in profits from parking fees and charges.

Medway residents have ended up paying for a 65% increase in profits from car park charges and permit parking charges.

Medway Labour have repeatedly stated their concerns around the impacts that the draconian changes that Tories have taken and voted against both the 133% increases in car park charges and the scrapping of annual visitors parking permits.

Cllr Andy Stamp, Gillingham North Councillor and Labour Community & Regeneration spokesperson said, “Medway being top of this league table shows you everything that is wrong with the current Conservative administration.

“The changes they have made to parking charges have so many negative impacts from increasing social isolation to further damage to our struggling town centres and high streets.

“We are clear that there is an alternative which is why the Labour Party is pledging to freeze parking charges for the four years of this council as well as re-introducing the annual visitor parking permits. That is the real difference that a Labour Council could make to Medway.”

Cllr Vince Maple, Chatham Central Councillor and Labour Group Leader added, “This report shows what Medway residents have known for some time, the Conservative run Medway Council sees motorists as a cash cow.

“It shouldn’t be that way and on May 2nd residents can vote for parking freezes and the return of a much needed annual visitors parking permits alongside zero tolerance enforcement for the handful of residents who do not play by the rules.”