5:09pm Thursday 4th March 2010
By Simon Farr
DISTRICT councillors and some council staff are entitled to park in public car parks for free.
Wycombe District Council told the Bucks Free Press that a number of council officers, who regularly use their cars for business use, hold permits to park in the council's private car park.
Some of the employees' permits allow parking in public car parks.
Councillors also have permits which entitles them to park in the Easton Street multi-story car park - but only when the council's private car park is full and providing they are on council business.
Council spokesman Catherine Spalton said: “As part of the terms and conditions of employment a number of council officers, who are required to frequently use a vehicle as part of their duties, are entitled to a park in the council office car park.
“Some permits are also provided in other local car parks for staff who use their car regularly for business. In general, staff have no special discounts in car parks.
“Councillors have parking permits for the office car park to be used only when they are on council business; if the car park is full, the permit entitles them to park in Easton Street car park”.
She added that not all council staff were granted a permit and permits were only valid Monday to Friday or when staff and councillors were on council business.
The council has proposed to raise parking charges by up to 25 per cent in council owned car parks, including Easton Street.
The £1.50 flat rate fee after 6pm would also be ditched in favour of free parking after 9pm.
And on-street parking will rise from 50p to £1 or £2 at more than 40 streets around the town.
The changes are subject to a public consultation and would take effect in September.
The council's move has angered many traders who believe the parking hike would put people off from visiting High Wycombe, severely denting trade.
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