WIREDGOV

Local authority parking enforcement: government response to the committee’s seventh report of session 2013-14

The Transport Select Committee is pleased that the Government is pursuing its recommendations on transparency and fairness in parking policy.

Commenting on the Government’s response to the recent report that examined local authority parking enforcement, Transport Committee Chair Louise Ellman MP said today: 

“Parking enforcement is an important issue for motorists and for the management of urban roads – including the revitalisation of our town centres so the Transport Committee is pleased to see the Government take such a positive attitude to our recommendations.

“It is gratifying to hear that ministers have accepted our recommendation for greater transparency, particularly our suggestion that local authorities should in future have to produce annual reports on parking enforcement. Parking charges should not be imposed to raise funding for local authorities.“We are also pleased to learn that the Department for Transport has begun consulting on some of our suggestions, including the introduction of a statutory ‘grace period’ if people overstay their parking ticket by a few minutes, and the availability of a 25% discount for motorists who pay promptly after losing an appeal.

“We are reassured to hear that ministers are going to consider allowing appeals where local authorities have not followed statutory guidance.

“Looking to the future, the Transport Committee hopes that this topic will be debated in the near future in Westminster Hall and we look forward to seeing our recommendations implemented.”