Spanish drivers hit by 'council stealth tax'

Removal of free parking zones and an increase in fines for minor traffic infractions have all dubbed "taxation by stealth" by protest groups. The latest measures to be unveiled in towns and cities across the north-eastern region of Catalonia include the removal of free parking bays. The biggest outcry has been in Tarragona, a city south of Barcelona, where since the start of July, the council has re-allocated 3,700 parking spaces, forcing residents to pay for parking where they could previously leave their car for free. "It's a blatant attempt by city authorities to raise revenue," said Amanda Casas, a spokesman for Plataforma Stop Parquímetres, a local protest group formed to fight against the installation of more parking meters. "And the underhand way they are going about it is shameful," she said. The citizens have mounted a campaign, boycotting the blue zone 'pay and display' areas and painting over the lines.