I wrote a letter to the Hampshire Chronicle two weeks ago venting my anger and disgust at the new parking charges in Winchester. 

I also expressed my thoughts that there appears to be no joined up thinking in Winchester City Council. 

I find the response from them that has appeared in the national newspapers quite baffling. In defence of the increased charges the council says it wants to 'help deliver carbon neutrality by the end of next year' and that 'air quality doesn't care what day of the week it is'. 

This suggests that the increase is meant to act as a deterrent to petrol and diesel car users, but this then seems unfair on the increasing number of drivers who use electric cars. Will they be offered a reduced parking charge? If, as was suggested, I park in other car parks for free, it is more distance for me to drive, therefore creating more emissions.

If I walk, it is some distance to Winchester Cathedral and my passenger, who does not qualify for a blue badge, has great difficulty walking. Is the council next going to charge cyclists in some way for the additional emissions caused when vehicles queue behind them, waiting to pass?

I totally support WCC for wanting to make a difference to the global warming situation, but have they considered the ‘bigger picture’? This increased charge not only affects car users it will also, for example, hit businesses, restaurants, workers, church goers, theatre goers and could, in turn, affect the mental well-being of many people. As humans we need to meet face to face, sharing time together, talking and enjoying each other’s company. 

We elected the council to make decisions that are in our best interest. This, I fear, is not one of them. 

Olive Bramley,
Northbrook,
Micheldever

Send letters by email to letters@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or by post to Editor, Hampshire Chronicle, 5 Upper Brook St, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AL.

All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request.

Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.