'Hypocrite' Councils Blasted

Anti-car councils are being accused of "rank hypocrisy" over their policy of giving free parking spaces to staff. Pressure group the Association of British Drivers (ABD) is calling on them to practise what they preach - or leave motorists alone.

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08th December 2004

ABD spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie told Auto Express: "This situation of councils telling us not to use our cars, but allowing their workers to drive and have free parking, is going on across the country. Not all of their employees will be essential vehicle users. It's rank hypocrisy."

He highlighted the case of Sheffield, South Yorks, which he claims is one of the worst offenders. It offers free parking for nearly 900 staff, most of whom get windscreen permits which allow them to take up public space in 'pay and display' sites.

John Mothersole, Sheffield's executive director of development, environment and leisure, told us: "We provide 132 dedicated city centre parking spaces. But in addition to this, staff who need to be in the area to carry out their work can apply for a special pass for use in certain general car parks."

He continued: "At present, 738 permits are in circulation, although this is far more than the number of parking spaces which would be occupied at any one time." Mothersole said the arrangement helped staff to do their jobs, but said that the situation was under constant review.

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