IT was fundamentally wrong last time, when car parking charges were increased by Herefordshire Council in order to bolster the adult services budget, and now this stealth tax is being imposed upon us yet again. (On-street parking charges on way?, Hereford Times, July 30) Car parking charges are simply being used as a cash cow. This is wholly wrong since, as I understand it, it’s against the rules of local governance for profits to be used outside of the service area in which they have been generated.

It is fairly evident the only interest the administration seem to have with car parks is the ability to raise revenue, and now they intend to raise a further £1 million with this new review.

Penalty charges have already raised £1.5 million in the last year alone. Parking attendants are required to attach at least seven penalty notices a day.

I call for city car park charges to be ringfenced to be spent on bus services to and from the city since congestion is essentially a city-wide problem, and I would call upon all our city residents to engage with their local councillors to identify which of the services should be maintained by the city, for the city.

The market towns have demonstrated that they can accomplish a proper and beneficial management of their car parks and it is seen to be working. Our city council should be allowed to do the same.

Public transport must be evidentially cheaper than the car for it to be a viable alternative. It must be regular and reliable, so any additional car park charges should be used to provide and maintain the bus service as a cost-effective alternative to the car, and it must be convenient to the shopper and especially for the night-time economy.

Most city councillors would want to see the Hopper bus returned to service our city. Do please get in touch with your local councillor and give them your opinion.

CLLR CHARLES NICHOLLS Bobblestock Ward Hereford