As the European Parliament elections approach, people might place the forthcoming local council elections on the back burner, but these must not be forgotten. There are many issues in which local councils have done things against the interest of residents and other citizens in the interest of raking in money, and now is the time for those residents to make their voice heard.

The best known example is the lowering of speed limits in conjunction with speed cameras. Another is the practice of letting skips fill up completely without emptying them, then stationing a warden to pick off anyone who deposits any garbage there.

Some councils have even started inventing entirely new road signs, such as those instructing cars to be parked facing inwards, or else putting up road signs with entire essays written underneath (in fine print) detailing the exact dates, times and moon phases in which these conditions apply. As the prospective candidates start going round the doors begging for votes, ask them where they stand on these issues and any others which are important, and get their promise to work actively to reverse them.

When councillors are elected they are supposed to be working for the residents, not milking them.