No 'free parking bonanza' during strike - council

Drivers have been warned they will not be able to park for free in a town while parking attendants go on strike over pay.

Reading Borough Council said 34 parking enforcement officers are taking part in industrial action from 16 - 22 December and from 26 December to 1 January.

The workers' union Unite described the period as a 'free parking bonanza' when announcing the industrial action on their official website.

But the council said enforcement would continue during those periods at a reduced level and penalty charge notices could still be issued.

The attendants on strike work for contractor Modaxo. Unite said those attendants were paid £12 per hour.

It said that was considerably less than if they were directly employed by Reading Borough Council.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Modaxo is a huge multinational conglomerate making billions in revenue and yet sees fit to penny-pinch and pay poverty wages to our members in Reading.

"These workers will have the full support of Unite in this battle for fair pay."

The BBC has contacted Modaxo for comment.

During the strike, attendants working voluntary overtime with Oxfordshire County Council's parking enforcement contractor Trellint will be used in Reading.

A spokesperson from Reading Borough Council said: "Parking regulations are in place for the safety and wellbeing of all road users and we would urge all motorists to continue to comply with them."

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