... and anything extra to show for it? You must be joking!
If the Tories get their way, parking charges in Bath are on course for a massive increase.
Commenting shortly after Conservative Transport Supremeo Cllr Sir Elgar Jenkin’s plans were approved Cllr David Dixon, (Lib Dem, Walcot) said:
"The report that was presented said that free local bus travel for the over 60’s has cost the Council ‘far more than was budgeted for’ and that ‘demand for free travel has exceeded all expectations’ the decision offers nothing extra for residents of Bath and North East Somerset and this increase is simply to balance the books."
The Liberal Democrats raised the issue of the projected costs of the Diamond Card with Cllr Jenkins over a year ago, and warned him that free travel could end up costing substantially more than expected.
Cllr Dixon continued, "I believe there should have been a thorough review of parking charges and bus usage, taking account of the free journeys under the Diamond Card scheme, to ensure that costs could be met without increasing pressure on income from parking."
It seems to me that the Conservatives have ignored our warnings and once again have had to take yet more money from Bath residents to pay for their mistakes. Let's just hope that voters will remember this when electing a new council in May.
