Parking charges row ‘considered closed’ by council

FOUR SNP councillors have hit back at claims that they “dodged” car parking charges in Dundee by using designated visitor spaces.

Opposition parties accused John Alexander, Bill Campbell, Alan Ross and Vari McDonald of not paying a monthly £65 city centre parking charge by taking advantage of a loophole, allowing them to stay in visitor spaces for free.

Labour and Lib Dem representatives called on the councillors to pay back the money.

But a joint statement from the four SNP members said: “Recent press coverage has been inaccurate. We have at all times acted honestly and in accordance with information provided to us by the council.

“To state anything to the contrary is incorrect and offensive.

“All four councillors have paid for the parking and there is absolutely no financial amount outstanding.

“It is simply not acceptable for opposition councillors to make such reckless allegations without being in possession of the facts, but this is unfortunately not surprising given that we are just weeks away from a council election.

“Desperate attempts to damage our reputation cannot be tolerated.

“The people of Dundee should see this for what it is.”

Dundee City Council appeared to back this up. A spokesman said: “The council can confirm that no money is outstanding. We believe that the elected members acted in good faith throughout. The council considers the matter now closed.”

The SNP had earlier maintained its councillors were incorrectly advised that they could use the bays when carrying out public duties, and had “acted in good faith”.

Councillor Alan Ross