Islington Tribune - News: £90,000 poll'asks wrong questions'

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 27 April 2007

Cllr Katie Dawson

£90,000 poll ‘asks wrong questions’

Green call for referendum on property sale

ISLINGTON’S lone Green councillor Katie Dawson this week joined the outcry over the £90,000 Town Hall poll on whether sliding-scale parking charges should be introduced for “gas-guzzler” cars.
Cllr Dawson, who represents Highbury West, is appalled at the ruling Lib Dems holding a referendum on something she claims the majority of residents have already indicated they would like to see.
She said: “If the council wants to hold a referendum, why don’t they hold it into something controversial which people may not agree with?
“How about a referendum into the sale of council-owned commercial property. Or why not ask residents how they feel about banning second cars or a borough-wide 20mph zone?”
She added: “Half of Islington’s residents, remember, don’t have a car and will be in favour of the scheme. So why not spend the £90,000 on more electric car charging points or bike parking stands? Something we really need.”
Cllr Dawson proposed the sliding-scale parking charges for “gas-guzzlers” last year, winning all-party support.
“The Lib Dems could have made it a united all- party issue, but instead have given the impression it was all their idea,” she said.
Cllr Dawson called for better government leadership in curbing the rise in numbers of big vehicles, through higher taxation and advertising. “One in seven new cars are said to be 4x4s and the sliding-scale charges will encourage motorists to make good choices,” she said.
“I want people to think seriously about the cars they drive. I want it to get to the point when it is embarrassing and naff to be seen racing around town in a Range-Rover.”

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