People don’t want to have to pay for town centre parking

Councillor says residents are being ignored by council

05.07.2018 A raging councillor called for parking charges planned for town centres to be scrapped then fumed: “Johnstone’s voice is not being heard.”

Andy Doig insisted tariffs should not be brought in for Johnstone and Renfrew.

He called for the decision on the proposals to be voted on by all elected members at a full local authority summit rather than at board level.

The independent hit out after his demands were ignored, with 15 politicians – only four of whom represent the affected towns – set to have the final say.

Councillor Doig said: “Johnstone Business Consortium has over 4,000 signatures against the parking charges and another 3,000 on Facebook.

“This amounts to nearly 50 per cent of the population of Johnstone.

“The people have very clearly stated parking charges should not be implemented.

“Johnstone’s voice is not being heard.”

Council chiefs want to bring in charges to park in Renfrew and Johnstone.

Costs will increase in Paisley – with half an hour set to rise 10p and four hours by 50p.

Permits will be brought in for residents and firms under the proposals after a three- month consultation.

The decision will be made at the infrastructure, land and environment policy board.

Councillor Doig insisted a ballot should be held at a future full council meeting.

He says five Johnstone and six Renfrew politicians will be “disenfranchised” because they do not sit on the panel.

Councillor Derek Bibby backed calls for all members to have a say and insists anger was “overwhelming” at a recent public meeting.

He said: “It beggars belief that these proposals are still on the table,

“SNP councillors in Johnstone, by denying a vote by all, are completely ignoring the wishes of the people they claim to represent.”