TWO of Launceston’s Cornwall Councillors have vowed to fight what they have called the authority’s ‘ludicrous and unjustified’ proposals to increase residents’ parking permit charges by more than 300%.

There are residential parking zones across Launceston in Race Hill, Kensey Hill and Western Road.

People living in these areas are able to apply for up to two permits per year. The first one will cost £25 and if a second is purchased it will cost £32.50.

Cabinet member and portfolio holder for transport Cllr Bert Biscoe has proposed that this charge should be increased to £80 for the first permit and a further £120 for the second.

Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor Jade Farrington, who represents Launceston South, said: “Cllr Biscoe’s proposals are completely ludicrous and unjustified. He has admitted that his aim is to reduce car ownership, which is an offensive joke.

“When he sorts out our bus services and reintroduces Launceston’s railway station then maybe not owning a car will become a viable option, but until then it’s impossible to get about without one.”

Cllr Farrington added: “By working together as a whole town we have already defeated Bert Biscoe’s plans to increase car park permit and pay and display charges and managed to keep our £1 all day Saturday parking, which we fought to get introduced in the first place.

“I hope everyone will pull together once again and show that Launceston will not accept this ridiculous assault on an essential mode of transport.”

A public consultation will launch in October and will be made available on the council’s website and at the council information centre in the library.

Liberal Democrat Launceston Central Cornwall Councillor Gemma Massey, said: “We will be publicising the consultation once it is available and would encourage everyone to respond either online or by post to help us stop Launceston’s residents’ parking permit prices from sky rocketing.”