Anger over plan to axe free parking

FURIOUS residents have described council plans to scrap all free parking in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as a “money grab”.

Birmingham City Council launched a public consultation over the proposals, saying the Jewellery Quarter is “oversubscribed” and ending free parking provision would help “reduce air pollution”.

The move was revealed by the Post last week but residents believe there is already an insufficient number of free parking spaces available. The free parking will end next year.

St Paul’s Square resident Isaac

Bowers said: “Birmingham council is just squeezing all the money they possibly can out of us.

“Council tax is already sky high here, then you have the Clean Air Zone and now parking.”

Adrian Lucas said: “When I first moved to the Jewellery Quarter one hour parking was 30p.

“This seems to be happening all over Birmingham. Along with the CAZ, the council are over-milking this cash cow.”

Newhall Hill resident Andrew Guirguis added: “We pay a crazy amount in council tax here.

“What are they going to give back to us in exchange for when they turn our street into a moneymaking machine? A lower council tax? I doubt it.”

Cllr Chaman Lal (Lab, Soho & Jewellery Quarter) said: “If these plans do go ahead, I would like to see Sunday remain free for all parking in the area. But obviously, I am behind my residents. It’s my duty to support them with their concerns.”

A council spokesman said: “Following consultation feedback, once the responses have been analysed, it is possible that the scheme details or status could change.”