Despite opposition from your Conservative Councillors crippling hikes in parking and permit charges were voted through on the Green/ Labour led Environment Transport and Sustainability Committee. The new charges are around 12.5% for Business Permits, 10% for resident permits and 15% for parking meters. Conservative Councillor Vanessa Brown raised the detrimental effect the hikes would have on Business and local residents and referred to the increases as ‘extortionate’.