Council row over free parking in Dudley
The introduction of free parking at car parks across Dudley has sparked a row between senior councillors - with opposition members insisting it does not go far enough.
UKIP members have been irritated by the move to bring in an hour's free parking at council car parks, insisting it will make little difference.
They had pushed for two hours of free parking which they said had been successful during a trial period.
The party's support allowed the Conservatives to take control of Dudley Council in May but cracks in the shaky alliance have already begun to show.
UKIP group leader Councillor Paul Brothwood said the Conservatives had approved the move without consulting them.
No one party has a majority at Dudley Council but UKIP lent its support to the Tories in May to put their leader Patrick Harley in charge.
There is not a formal coalition but UKIP said they expected to have their voices heard in return for their support.
Councillor Brothwood: "Without consulting us they reduced it to two hours. We feel there must be a minimum of two hours, that's what the trial was done on.
"It is certainly not good enough. The trial for two hours was very successful and I spoke to traders who said they had seen an increase in footfall."
Councillor Harley said the change to one hour would free up £500,000 to remove weeds and tidy up the borough and did not rule out bringing in two hours free parking in the future.
He said: "We want to meet two commitments. One of them is free parking and another is getting the borough up to standard by improving green care. We have got weeds so high they are obscuring road signs.
"I have spoken to traders and they are pleased we are doing this. One hour will be fine for the majority of shoppers."
However, Councillor Brothwood said he was so incensed by the decision his group's support for the Tories was 'under question'.
He added: "We hold the balance of power. We will see if Patrick Harley comes back to the negotiating table."
Drivers have been parking for free for two hours on council car parks in Dudley, Brierley Hill, Halesowen and Sedgley since the launch of a pilot in April.
Bosses announced last week the offer would be changed to one hour of free parking on all council-owned car parks from October 1, with the intention of bringing it in permanently.
