I was dismayed to see that Brent Council’s Labour administration has made yet another U-turn and is now planning to introduce parking charges in Preston Road and Bridge Road, Wembley. Both these areas currently enjoy free parking, it is extremely popular and it keeps local shops thriving.

When in opposition just last year, Councillor Ann John admitted in a full council meeting that parking restrictions and charges drive people away to shopping centres outside the borough and as such she proposed an hour’s free parking.

However, now that she is in administration, it’s a different story and Labour has announced it is planning to introduce pay and display in Preston Road and Bridge Road.

This proposal is sheer madness. In these times of austerity, the Labour administration has not only increased charges and cut vital services but now aims to destroy the trade of local businesses and cause maximum inconvenience for local residents.

I can assure residents that Brent’s Conservative group will strongly oppose removing the one hour free parking system from Preston Road and Bridge Road.

If Cllr John wants a fight, then she’s got one.

Cllr Harshadbhai Patel
leader of the Conservative group, Brent Council