SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has said the SDLP will vote against the
proposed rise in car parking fines in the Assembly today (Tuesday).
Mr Byrne said: “In these times of austerity when many
motorists are being hit by higher fuel costs and over-inflated motor insurance
premiums, it is morally wrong to be demanding that they fund a £7.5million
shortfall in the Department of Regional Development’s budget by imposing
increased car parking fines.
“As well as being ethically wrong, it is also financially
unsound to be relying on parking fees as revenue to fund a government
department.
“Even if the 50per cent discount is availed on a £90 parking
fine, this is far too severe and is disproportionate to the offence.
“With families’ and pensioners’ household budgets being
squeezed due to welfare reform, the likelihood is that if this colossal fine is
imposed, many people simply will not have enough money to pay it and we will
end up with people, who pose no threat to our society, being brought before our
courts.
“This will also do little in the way of revitalising our
town centres and encouraging people, particularly those who are disabled or
retired, to shop locally.
“As a devolved government, elected to represent the needs of
people in our region, we simply should not allow this legislation to go ahead.”
(Unfortunately this was passed by the other parties) 07/01/13
No comments:
Post a Comment