TO add to your recent correspondence re car parking charges in Bournemouth, I would like to confirm to your readers that there has been no increase at all over the past three years and I am striving to keep our extremely low charges (£1 for two hours in several central car parks) for a further year – one of the lowest in our region.

I sincerely hope this will fit in with budget plans, as I consider it vital that our charges are kept affordable, to encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage not just of our excellent shopping, but also to enjoy our parks, gardens, entertainments, restaurants as well as other attractions.

Castlepoint was mentioned by Cllr Rey (Letters, January 21), but that is hardly an attraction – more an everyday utilitarian shopping trip to be endured, rather than enjoyed. We are also working on other options for annual and shorter term discounted season tickets, which I am sure will be popular with regular users of our car parks.

So, rest assured, I completely understand the necessity of providing affordable and convenient car parking for Bournemouth.

MICHAEL FILER, cabinet member for Transportation, Bournemouth Borough Council