Hull parking row

Hull city council employees, such as social workers, who need their cars to carry out their duties, will be staging a demo tomorrow (January 18) over the withdrawal of their free parking passes.

Unite said it was ‘outrageous’ for city council bosses to suddenly charge essential car users who have to use their own cars for work.

The new charges affect about 130 employees, but Unite members have withdrawn the use of their personal cars since 1 January in protest.

The demo by Unite members will take place at noon tomorrow (January 18) at The Guildhall HU1 2AA. The union is calling for the charging policy to be rescinded and that parking remains free for those carrying out vital council duties.

“The council’s harsh decision has hit members who are social workers and have to make visits to families across the region; staff who work with foster families; and housing officers who are all required to use their personal cars for work,” said Unite regional officer Dave Monaghan.

“Considering they lost a £1,200 allowance for this in 2004, to suddenly charge them to park to do their job is outrageous. More generally, council staff have received below inflation pay rises in recent years that has also eroded their incomes in real terms.

“The council has introduced a number of pool cars in response to our members not using their own vehicles, but  the scheme has been chaotic to say the least,” he added.

“The council has offered a 66.6 per cent discount on the £30.75 per month charge now in place for a parking pass for essential car users.

“Unite members will be consulted on this offer, but we are recommending rejection. We want the essential car users to continue to have free parking at the council’s Kenworthy House and Warehouse 9 sites in the city.”