Monday 15 July 2013


Motorists Could Face Bigger Parking Fines

Cost Of Parking Penalty Charge Notice Could Rise
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The Government is considering punishing motorists by raising the cost of the parking penalty charge notice, the Telegraph has reported. As things stand, the maximum fine outside the capital is seventy pounds but there is concern that this fairly small sum is no longer a sufficient deterrent. Furthermore, the cost is inconsistent – and far lower – than the one-hundred and thirty pound fine that can be imposed in the capital city. The Government's Transport Secretary, Norman Baker, therefore told Members of Parliament that: “there is an argument that the maximum charge has not moved in a number of years”, and that it is: “coming out of line with London where it has risen regularly under both the present and the previous mayor”. Mr Baker added: "It can also be argued that if the cost of legitimate parking rises to such a degree that the penalty no longer becomes a deterrent, then that should be looked at." When pressed on what is likely to happen, he said: "I am taking all the evidence which is before me in both directions and reaching a sensible conclusion” and the issue is “not entirely in my hands".

Disadvantages Of Raising Parking Fines

Whereas there is a case for punishing those that cause disruption by parking inconsiderately, Mr Baker admitted that raising the cost of the penalty charge notice could be controversial. He therefore said: "It could be argued that any increase would send the wrong messages during a difficult time in the economy to motorists”, and that “the impact on a town centre might be detrimental if the excess charges are introduced.” There would, inevitably, also be thousands of people that assume the purpose of the rise is to raise money for the authorities rather than to encourage responsible/legal parking. Furthermore, the Automobile Association is not in favour of increasing the fine. As such its President, Edmund King, said: "It's hard enough at the moment for motorists to cope with the cost of fuel and insurance - just keeping the car running is a struggle for them. Our concern would be that local authorities become reliant on the fines as income (and that) it becomes a method of raising revenue rather keeping traffic flowing." But whatever the advantages and disadvantages - and whoever is in power - the fine will increase at some point. Inflation alone ensures it is inevitable.

Geraldine Ashton Green
By Geraldine Ashton Green
Mon, 15 Jul 2013
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Your CommentsBubble
Avatar15/07/2013 17:08:10
T M Commented:
Secret is never give the parking wardens a chance! Firstly READ the signs. Secondly, know the law such as when the local authority cannot levy a fine. Lastly, when in a timed zone, set the count down on your mobil;e phone to give you time to return before the fine! Happy motoring. ps Buy a motorcycle: I can park for free!
Avatar15/07/2013 17:05:09
R G Commented:
Just another predictable British penalty levied on the motorist, doesn't this Stupid Country realise that Drivers are also shoppers. Take a look at the other side of the channel, and see the opposite. Motorists welcome to our village; town; city, come in and spend your money, plenty of free parking for a wide variety of vehicles!!!
Avatar15/07/2013 17:02:32
d r Commented:
i witness this all the time idiots that park where they should not putting peoples lives at risk blocking access for emergency vehicles then moaning when they get parking ticket they should be locked up not just get fined they have a selfish attitude im alright jack stuff you
Avatar15/07/2013 16:48:40
B M Commented:
The key is to have a penalty that 'hurts' every driver the same and one that does not encourage the generation of revenue streams , which is really what parking charges and fines are about these days. Either make it a penalty point on your licence or perhaps having to attend an awareness training scheme paid for by the issuing ticket organisation (yes those speeding course are a money generator, albeit with a point). Parking enforcement should be about smooth traffic flow rather than revenue. Parking restriction that are put in place without good reason need to be made illegal i.e. they are there for revenue generation. When laws are enforced to generate revenue then they are no longer respected, so the revenue stream has to be removed from ALL traffic offences and replaced with points or other similar methods.
Avatar15/07/2013 16:47:08
CM Commented:
I remember watching Disneys Robin Hood and Prince John says "double the taxes, triple the taxes, squeeze every last drop out of those miserable, er, musical peasants." Well, well. Any comparison?
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