It would be good to indicate a gradual but relentless real increase in these costs. It is a bit unfair to punish poor people who can only afford an old cronk for a large family in the short term but with the clear message that when they come to change they should take the future costs into account.
It is also a good opportunity to promote Car Clubs (who hopefully have free parking) as the long term aim of having a car available nearby when you need it without clogging/narrowing streets with cars that don't move from one week to the next.
Sadly the Conservative response indicates that there is no backing from the government (even hostility) for this virtuous move which really ought to be nationwide. Its just crazy. Give everybody 4 hours free parking and then charge a daily rate for more would create a better environment for motorists who were actually using their cars, plus cyclists and especially pedestrians/householders who would have more pleasant views if we could reduce the number of superfluous vehicles.
Oh and it would also raise vital revenue to protect local services like libraries, schools, elderly care and such like in the face of the impending swinging central government grant cuts.
