Menu
22/06/2006
MPs criticise UK parking enforcement
Parking regulations in the UK are inconsistent and confusing, a report by a MPs committee has claimed.
The report by the Commons Transport Select Committee said that it was "absurd" that some parking offences were dealt with by police, while others were handled by local councils.
It also criticised parking enforcement contracts with incentives based on the number of tickets issued as "misguided".
Signs indicating parking rules were often unclear and misunderstood by drivers, the committee said.
The report also found that some parking attendants were not trained properly and were poorly paid and criticised the Department of Transport and the Audit Commission for failing to adequately scrutinise council parking operations.
Some councils did not make it clear how people could challenge a penalty charge notice, the committee noted.
Committee chairman Gwyneth Dunwoody said: "Our present parking system is, frankly, a mess.
"If a motorist parks illegally on one street they are branded a criminal and will be dealt with by the police and criminal courts.
"On another street they will have committed a civil infringement and will be processed by the local authority."
The report recommended that a single system of parking enforcement should be introduced and also recommended that more help should be provided to help drivers challenge unfair penalties.
(KMcA/SP)
The report by the Commons Transport Select Committee said that it was "absurd" that some parking offences were dealt with by police, while others were handled by local councils.
It also criticised parking enforcement contracts with incentives based on the number of tickets issued as "misguided".
Signs indicating parking rules were often unclear and misunderstood by drivers, the committee said.
The report also found that some parking attendants were not trained properly and were poorly paid and criticised the Department of Transport and the Audit Commission for failing to adequately scrutinise council parking operations.
Some councils did not make it clear how people could challenge a penalty charge notice, the committee noted.
Committee chairman Gwyneth Dunwoody said: "Our present parking system is, frankly, a mess.
"If a motorist parks illegally on one street they are branded a criminal and will be dealt with by the police and criminal courts.
"On another street they will have committed a civil infringement and will be processed by the local authority."
The report recommended that a single system of parking enforcement should be introduced and also recommended that more help should be provided to help drivers challenge unfair penalties.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2009
Parking Enforcement 'Out of Control'
Growing parking enforcement in private car parks and the huge amounts of money being taken from drivers has reached 'epidemic' level, according to the AA. More than one in 10 drivers say they have been issued a private parking ticket over the last year and tens of thousands of people have had their car clamped or removed from private car parks.
Parking Enforcement 'Out of Control'
Growing parking enforcement in private car parks and the huge amounts of money being taken from drivers has reached 'epidemic' level, according to the AA. More than one in 10 drivers say they have been issued a private parking ticket over the last year and tens of thousands of people have had their car clamped or removed from private car parks.
23 October 2013
MPs Call For Parking 'Grace Period'
The Commons Transport Committee has called for "five minutes grace" for drivers whose parking ticket has expired, warning that it was "neither acceptable nor legal" for councils to use fine to increase revenue.
MPs Call For Parking 'Grace Period'
The Commons Transport Committee has called for "five minutes grace" for drivers whose parking ticket has expired, warning that it was "neither acceptable nor legal" for councils to use fine to increase revenue.
18 July 2006
NHS charges branded "a mess"
The system of National Health Service charges has been branded "a mess" by a committee of MPs. The Commons Health Select Committee called for a review of the system, which covers prescription and eye test costs, dental care, parking fees and phone costs.
NHS charges branded "a mess"
The system of National Health Service charges has been branded "a mess" by a committee of MPs. The Commons Health Select Committee called for a review of the system, which covers prescription and eye test costs, dental care, parking fees and phone costs.
05 August 2013
65-Year-Old Bailed On Asda Carpark Manslaughter Charge
A man arrested in connection with the death of 64-year-old man in an Asda car park has been bailed. It is understood that the victim died in hospital on Sunday after sustaining head injuries when he was pushed to the ground during an argument in the supermarkets disabled parking area.
65-Year-Old Bailed On Asda Carpark Manslaughter Charge
A man arrested in connection with the death of 64-year-old man in an Asda car park has been bailed. It is understood that the victim died in hospital on Sunday after sustaining head injuries when he was pushed to the ground during an argument in the supermarkets disabled parking area.
16 March 2012
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
