Miles Briggs slams 'SNP hypocrisy' on parking charges
Miles Briggs, Conservative Candidate for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs, has criticised SNP and Labour councillors for voting to introduce parking charges across the county.
Mr Briggs praised 'common-sense' community council members who have campaigned hard against the charges and feel ignored by council officials.
He also condemned SNP Paul McLennan for 'exemplifying vintage SNP hypocrisy', standing by as councillors from his own party damaged East Lothian's high streets.
Miles Briggs, along with fellow Conservative elected officials, have consistently opposed parking charges during his campaign.
Miles Briggs, Conservative candidate for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs, said:
"Parking charges in East Lothian have proven deeply unpopular while I have been out and about talking to local people.
"It is clear that parking charges are making business owners nervous and are a hassle to those residents who require a car to get to town. Parking charges in town centres will lead to more traffic on residential streets as drivers dodge the charges, as they have done in Edinburgh and elsewhere.
"It is telling that two community councils have now expressed no confidence in East Lothian councillors for introducing this damaging policy despite clear community opposition. Campaigners feel ignored and sidelined when residents and businesses ought to be front and centre of this process.
"Meanwhile Paul McLennan is exemplifying vintage SNP hypocrisy by opposing parking charges publicly but standing by as fellow party members vote them into effect.
"It is time for SNP and Labour councillors to listen to community councils, local business, and residents and stop this cynical attempt to punish East Lothian."