Residents seen as a nuisance

At the recent meeting of the Joint Transportation Board (which I could not attend) residents of the city were once again treated to the usual lack of democracy now familiar with council meetings, and shown contempt by councillors and officers alike.

The mid-year parking review, a recurring agenda item for this group, was the topic of conversation including an increase to the visitor parking voucher fee for city residents to £5, a 25% increase.

The meeting started with the chair Cllr Spooner breathing a sigh of relief that no public were down to speak, as if that meant the group could expedite their decisions without pesky public involvement.

When it came to the visitor voucher price increase the council officer spoke of how it was a ‘small increase’ to help round it up.

He seemed to ignore the concerns of Cllr Smith who noted the disparity between the coastal and city increases, whilst Cllr Baker, a veteran of the chamber, seemed to not know how the vouchers operate or are issued. Further highlighting the lack of understanding from councillors who do not live in the city.

A fair discussion was had about ensuring the service was self financing, which I completely agree with.

Although being the service is now fully digital it must be cheaper to operate than in previous years.

But the officer then decided that all city residents who have access to visitor vouchers are ‘lucky’ to have a residents parking scheme on their road.

This ignorance was reinforced by Cllr Clark, by outright saying that it was pointless, not a major issue to discuss, and to just move on. The motion was then voted through.

As a resident of the city centre who is paying an exorbitant and ever increasing fee to park on my road, I continue to be appalled at the state of our council who just see residents of the city as a nuisance and who can be taxed ever more without concern or care.

I hope at the next elections many of these individuals lose their seats and the power they wield with it.

Allen Tullett

Cross Street, Canterbury

There are growing calls for the Dane John Gardens, pictured after an attack, to be locked at night