Ealing Council have been accused of "treating people like dirt" by introducing a "sneaky" new system which "increases parking penalty charges".

Tory opposition in the borough claim a new system introduced by the Labour administration where reminder letters to residents to renew their Controlled Parking Zone Permits are no longer sent out.

A Conservative spokeswoman said that the situation is "made worse" by the withdrawal of the facility either to renew permits in person at Perceval House or by post.

They added that renewing a permit must be done online via the council’s website, for which you need a PIN "on the renewal letter that they haven’t sent you".

Councillor Anthony Young, Conservative deputy leader, said: “Unfortunately, residents haven’t been told about this, and so the first drivers are likely to know is when they receive a parking ticket because their permit is out of date.

“This is a sneaky way of trying to increase the number of parking penalty charges at the expense of residents. This Labour administration, when it gets control, really treats people like dirt.”

Resident Eamonn O'Connor, of Ravensbourne Gardens, said: “My wife and I have had no notice of renewal being served on our resident parking permits. We only realised that our permits were due to expire two days before the expiry date on May 24.

"We looked on the council's website and discovered that we needed to seek pin numbers to renew.

"We did so by separate emails on May 22 and still await any communication from the council.

"In desperation I called into the town hall today and made a fresh application for new permits. In the meantime we have been unable to park in our street in the restricted hours.

“Why has this new system been brought in without any personal communication to us the ratepayers/customers? A notice on the website is totally inadequate.

“Surely a letter one month prior to the renewal date could have been given with all necessary information?”

A council spokesman said: “It is untrue to suggest a link between penalty charge notices and the move to electronic permits.

"PIN numbers are generated for customers when a permit is first purchased and returning customers will find it on their last renewal letter. If they have lost this letter, they can request a reminder and it will be sent via email.

“Customers have always been responsible for renewing their resident parking permits on time.

"Reminder notices containing PIN details are now sent via email rather than by post and customers are encouraged to supply us with their email address so they can receive a reminder.

“A new online system for checking the status of your own permit, and that of other cars parked on your road, will soon be available, as will an online PIN reminder service. We are also now available on Twitter @ealingparking to help customers more quickly.”