Reform UK has urged Reading Borough Council to reverse recent parking charge increases after councillors agreed higher fares and a new two-hour minimum stay in town-centre car parks. The only reduction is at Green Park Station.
Matthew Reynolds, deputy chair of Reform UK in Earley and Woodley, wrote to the council saying the move is unfair and will hit visitors and local shops.
"According to the council’s Parking Services Annual Report 2024/25, parking operations generated a net surplus of £2.174 million from car parks alone in 2024/25. Yet further increases are being introduced just to generate £244,000 a year."
He asked the council to:
- Reconsider the removal of one-hour parking options - drivers should not be forced to pay for time they do not need.
- Pause further increases until a proper assessment is made of the impact on local businesses and footfall.
- Review non-essential spending to ensure value for money before asking residents to pay more.
- Engage properly with residents - residents deserve a proper debate on such an important matter.
John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for transport, stated the reforms have been introduced to 'ensure the climate is in a better place by 2030'.
Reynolds replied: "Charging people more to park will not solve climate change. What it will do is make life harder for families who have no choice but to drive - whether because they live in areas poorly served by public transport or simply need a car for work."
The letter was addressed to councillors Richard Davies (Labour, Thames) and Will Cross (Labour, Redlands). The changes were agreed at the policy committee meeting on June 15.
Mr Reynolds stood in Church ward in the May council elections, coming second to incumbent Labour councillor Ruth McEwan.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
