15 Mar 2019
The SNP government has received an influx of letters from members of the public criticising plans to introduce a car park tax.
Dozens of letters have been published through Freedom of Information blasting the controversial proposals.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, finance secretary Derek Mackay and transport minister Michael Matheson all received furious emails from people who would be impacted by the scheme.
And some SNP MSPs even forwarded on concerns from constituents about the move – which would cost people who drive to work £500 a year.
One member of the public told Ms Sturgeon: “I’ve voted for the SNP for the last 44 years … but this ridiculous tax on workers driving to work is totally wrong.”
Another added: “I have always been an SNP supporter and voter … I have absolutely no shadow of doubt that <SNP-run> Glasgow City Council and others will seize the opportunity to raise revenue via this unfair tax and it will fall on people like me to just stump up.”
A correspondent told Mr Matheson: “I’m getting in touch to let you know that I’m worried about the SNP/Green proposal to tax people who park their cars at work … I’m worried about the impact that this would have on our household budget.”
And 11 employees of Glasgow Airport contacted Mr Mackay to register their disgust, with one saying: “It is unfair and unreasonable to impose a workplace car park tax when I have no realistic alternative to using my car.”
One charity worker who said they simply couldn’t afford to pay the charge even persuaded her MSP Annabelle Ewing to contact Michael Matheson on her behalf.
And another SNP MSP, Angela Constance, forwarded the following message to her ministerial colleagues from a voter: “This appears to have been added to the budget late, to get it through parliament, without really considering how it will affect employers and their employees.”
Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Murdo Fraser said:
“After being inundated with views from members of the public, the SNP should be left in no doubt about just how unpopular this plan is.
“Hardworking people are outraged that they should be charged even more just for driving to work, and many simply cannot afford it.
“If Nicola Sturgeon won’t listen to the Scottish Conservatives on this matter, she should at least listen to the people who’ll be affected.
“She should abandon this scheme right now, and reassure workers and motorists that the Scottish Government is actually on their side.”
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