Northumberland Conservatives have unveiled their new policy to scrap parking charges for all Northumberland residents.

At present residents of Berwick, Alnwick, Morpeth and Hexham have to pay substantial hourly parking charges even when simply heading to town for brief periods. Residents in the South East of the county however, do not have to pay and now we have a unitary council we feel there is no excuse for this unfairness.

The proposal, which Northumberland Conservatives will cost £2 million(out of £800 million approx.) so we believe there is no excuse for this injustice. We have identified cost savings which would more than pay for the introduction of free parking without the need for raising taxes.

Under the proposals residents would be entitled to 2 parking passes per household at an annual administrative fee of £15. The pass would entitle free parking in all of Northumberland's car parks(subject to time restrictions in certain short stay facilities.)

The move would be a shot in the arm for the local economy, and is supported by Morpeth district Chamber of Trade.