Today, I had a constructive meeting with the Green Party Leader of the Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC) and his two deputies.
It was a pleasure to meet with them and we will be having meetings again in the future. I have, since becoming MP for the Forest, had regular meetings with the leadership of both FODDC and Tewkesbury Borough Council. I think this type of face-to-face meeting is a great way of solving problems for residents and discussing a range of important local issues.
During our meeting, I set out my opposition to the large car parking charges as set out in the council’s draft budget. I said that I could not support a 300% increase to charges.
I also made it clear that I do not support blanket 20mph speed limits. 20mph speed limits are fine if used appropriately, for example near schools, but not as unwarranted blanket measures.