Cameron faces backlash over 'vote loser' parking tax plan

UK: Really, shocking surprise people would turn on the conservative leader for trying to force them to shop at places they do not want and pay taxes at places they do want to shop.

David Cameron's plans to scrap free parking at supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres was at the centre of a growing storm last night. The Tory leader was inundated with attacks on his website after a Conservative policy group said families should pay a tax to park at out-of-town shopping developments to help curb pollution and save small high street shops. And he failed to silence the clamour by refusing to rule out such a move under a Tory government. Mr Cameron said he could 'understand the pressures that families feel in getting the weekly shop done' but said action was needed to save the 'dying' high street. The issue overshadowed the announcement of plans by the same policy group, led by millionaire ecowarrior Zac Goldsmith and former Environment Secretary John Gummer, for council tax discounts for families who recycle rubbish. Mr Cameron has been bracing himself for a backlash to the report, which proposes a raft of green taxes and other environmental measures.