Council sends clear message against fraud

Gloucestershire County Council is supporting residents who have been approached by neighbours asking them to commit parking fraud.

Residents in the Westgate area of Gloucester city centre have come forward in support of the restricted permits for parking in their area.

Current restrictions allow each household to purchase parking permits for up to a maximum of two vehicles.

However, some residents with more than two vehicles have been asking householders with less than two vehicles to help them out with spare permits – an offer which, if accepted, could be classed as fraud.

Residents got in touch with the county council earlier this month to make it clear they were not happy at being approached with this offer and they even collected a petition in protest. The council has now confirmed that it will be taking tough action against anyone who makes a fraudulent application for a permit.

Anyone found applying for, or using, a permit that they are not entitled to could have all permits for that household cancelled and the payments would not be refunded.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways said, “The arrangements we have in place for resident parking are fair and we simply won’t allow them to be abused. If anyone has information about someone using a parking permit which doesn’t belong to them please call 01452 425000 and let us know.”

Cllr Pam Tracey, local county councillor for Hempsted and Westgate said, “I’d like to thank the local residents who brought this matter to our attention. If we find any parking permits being abused then we will take immediate action.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk