SNP councillors embroiled in an argument over the use of visitor parking spaces have said opposition party councillors made “reckless” allegations in an attempt to “damage” their reputations.
Four administration councillors — John Alexander, Alan Ross, Vari McDonald and Bill Campbell — were accused of “dodging” a £65 payment for parking spaces at a council car park by “exploiting” a loophole which allowed them to park for free.
The SNP councillors have taken exception to the accusations, and said they had acted in accordance with guidance given to them by the council.
Opposition party councillors called on the four SNP members to pay any money owed back to the council — which all four administration councillors said they had done prior to the issue being made public.
Dundee City Council has confirmed there was no money outstanding.
A joint statement from Councillors John Alexander, Bill Campbell, Vari McDonald and Alan Ross, said: “We have at all times acted honestly and in accordance with information provided to us by the council.
“To state anything to the contrary is incorrect and offensive.
“All four councillors have paid for the parking and there is absolutely no financial amount outstanding.
“It is simply not acceptable for opposition councillors to make such reckless allegations without being in possession of the facts, but this is unfortunately not surprising given that we are just weeks away from a council election.
“Desperate attempts to damage our reputation cannot be tolerated.
“The people of Dundee should see this for what it is.”
Labour leader Councillor Kevin Keenan initially raised concerns about the loophole earlier this year, and a senior council officer said in an email exchange that “very regrettably” guidance on use of the visitor bays had not been issued.
The officer added: “The matters which you mention have…arisen as a result of an entirely innocent misunderstanding, for which I apologise, and which I will be clarifying by issuing guidance in the near future.”
Lib Dem councillor Fraser Macpherson called for an inquiry in to how the situation had unfolded, and independent member Bailie Ian Borthwick said he could not comprehend how the four councillors could be unaware of the parking rules.
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “The council can confirm that no money is outstanding. We believe the elected members acted in good faith throughout. The council considers the matter now closed.”
