It has been revealed that the new Civic Centre will have only 40 parking spaces which will be available for residents, staff, and Councillors. This is a 70% reduction compared to the parking at the current Civic Centre.

There has been no proper analysis by the Council of how residents or staff will travel to the Civic Centre once the pandemic is over. No consideration has been given to whether public transport is a viable option for significant numbers of people. No research has been conducted on how residents attending meetings or using Council services will travel to the Civic Centre.

The Council has not properly considered the safety of residents, staff, or Councillors leaving the Civic Centre after meetings at night. 40 parking spaces clearly will not be enough for staff and residents visiting the new Civic Centre. This means many people will have to park away from the Civic Centre, walk or rely on public transport.

Cllr Kanti Rabadia, Conservative spokesperson for Community Safety, said:

"In the wake of Sarah Everards murder, and the Council’s duty of care to its residents and staff, this concern should have been properly considered in Labours plans. Sadly, they have yet to address any of the practical and safety concerns caused by the lack of parking in their proposals."