MOTORISTS will face parking charges at Brent Town Hall in a move some say will clog up surrounding roads.

Tory councillors have reacted angrily to Lib Dem proposals to slap a charge on parking at Brent Council's Forty Lane headquarters claiming it “prejudiced” against drivers.

Councillor Bob Blackman, leader of the Conservatives on the council, said the plan, which was voted through by the Lib Dems on Monday, “gets my goat”.

He said: “The car parks will be empty and the residential streets will be full and only when the streets are full will people come into the car parks and pay the fee.”

Councillor John Detre, responsible for regeneration, said: “I don't think we should be prejudiced against people who use there cars as a mode of transport.”

But the Lib Dems who dominate the two party coalition cabinet say the scheme is necessary to show they are serious about encouraging residents not to use their cars.

Councillor Paul Lorber, leader of council, said: “Improving the local environment for local people is extremely important to us.

“We have to take measures to reduce, wherever possible, the use of the car.”

He pointed out that the scheme will include both council staff and councillors themselves.

The authority will spend around £90,000 on brining in a range of changes, including showers, lockers and bicycle parking, with more than £70,000 of that money going on cycling.

But officers believe they will get the money back through extra cash raised.