Battle lines have been drawn in the local elections over access to free parking and road use.

The Conservatives have promised to allow residents to park for free up to 45 minutes in council controlled spaces – an extra 15 minutes – in their election manifesto.

The perk is for drivers who hold and use the council's Richmond Card, which provides details of offers across a range of public services and private businesses in the borough.

However, Lib-Dems standing for election say increasing free parking will simply encourage people to use their cars more frequently for short shopping trips, rather than public transport, bikes or walking.

They argue this is at odds with efforts to cut down on jams while tackling climate change, improving air quality and health.

The Conservatives have been on the back food during the local election campaign, given the controversy surrounding Boris Johnson's government over, among other things, breaking lockdown rules and misleading Parliament.

The prime minister does not appear on local election leaflets while some candidates have decided to stand under the banner 'Local Conservatives' and push their credentials as local residents focussing on local issues.

An increase in free parking is central to this platform along with a pledge to freeze Council Tax across the borough and halt the redevelopment of Twickenham Riverside with new homes, public open space, retail, pub, café and children's playground.

The proposals on parking have been spelt out in a social media video by Conservative candidate, Sarah-Jane Sewell, of Mortlake and Barnes Common Conservatives.

She said: "We're pledging to extend the Richmond Card free parking from 30 minutes to 45 minutes – giving more time to go and support your local high street.

"All of us are feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis and it is small changes like this that can make a real difference for so many of us."

Lib-Dem candidate in Twickenham Riverside, James Chard, criticised the proposal, saying it will encourage people to drive, as did local cycling advocates.

He said: "Encouraging more and more short car trips is a disaster for residents, traders and the environment. Let's focus on making our town centres more pleasant to walk and cycle to and around."

He gave the example of the pedestrianisation of Church Street, Twickenham, which he insisted has been a great success. He said the redevelopment of Twickenham Riverside would remove cars in favour of opening it up as a public space, effectively providing a new town square.

The Richmond Borough co-ordinator for the London Cycling Campaign, Tim Lennon, questioned the Conservative policy, saying: "Would you better address the rising cost of living by making it easier for residents who choose to be able to walk and cycle more?

"Why would you seek to encourage even more (car) journeys?"