News / Politics
Council condemns ?50k of vandalism over RPZ
A spate of vandalism to parking meters and street signs installed for new residents’ parking zones has cost the council more than £50,000.
Councillors and the mayor have united in outrage at the figures, released two days after Bristol24/7 requested details of the extent of damage caused.
The damage has been done in Montpelier, where the latest RPZ is being installed, and St Paul’s against a backdrop of peaceful protests and road blocks.
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Politicians from across the city have lined up to condemn the vandalism and the recent reports of trouble between protesters and council contractors.
City mayor George Ferguson said: “We respect the right of individuals to exercise their civil liberties and protest peacefully but threats, assaults and vandalism are totally unacceptable.
“I fully understand that the scheme has engendered strong feelings, but these are outright acts of vandalism and I know the good people of Montpelier would not associate themselves with this criminal behaviour.”
He added that there are many residents in Montpelier who want the scheme to be introduced and the council was still aiming to launch on July 6.
The council has been dealing with a series of incidents which has seen all the temporary signs advertising the forthcoming scheme stolen, contractors allegedly threatened and 18 out of the 20 parking machines damaged beyond repair – some using builders-grade expanding foam (see main picture).
“Whatever your view on the residents’ parking schemes, it is sad to see that some people have decided to use violence against those who simply come to paint lines on the road,” said Green Party Leader and Ashley Ward councillor Rob Telford.
Simon Cook, assistant mayor added: “What they are doing is wasting public money because the machines will have to be replaced. It’s silly and irresponsible.”
After each scheme has been in operation for six months the council reviews how the scheme is working to enable people to ask for changes that have the support of the others in the community.
Following a review of the St Paul’s scheme, the council decided to finally introduce paid parking in Morgan Street – previously excluded after residents created a blockade at the end of the cul-de-sac.
