Confusion reigns over possible charges in five of the borough’s free car parks.

Earlier today new cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Dean Cohen, said he would make no decision on whether or not to start charging for the five remaining free car parks until next week.

However, his own party has already begun distributing election flyers announcing that the Tories have already scrapped plans for the charges.

Labour’s environment spokesperson, Cllr Alan Schneiderman said: “What is going on? The left hand doesn’t seem know what the right hand is doing.

“Cllr Dean Cohen needs to get a grip. He's on record saying they can't confirm whether or not they are removing the car park charges from all seven car parks.

"Their candidate’s leaflet in Brunswick Park is claiming the charges have been withdrawn from Osidge Lane and Brunswick Park Road car parks. Is it true or not?"

Barnet Council announced earlier this year its plans to begin charging users of the six car parks in East Barnet, Hendon, Brunswick Park and Colindale.

The council has already ditched proposals to charge for the Church Hill Road car park but no announcements have yet been made on the remaining five.

Councillor Cohen could not be contacted by the Times Series for further comment this afternoon.

The five car parks that will feature in the announcement are in Brunswick Park Road, Osidge Lane, Egerton Gardens, New Brent Street and Quakers Course.

Should the charges be introduced, users will face paying up to £5.25 for a three hour stay.