27.09.13
CCTV parking enforcement to be scrapped
Pickles has announced reforms to stop ‘over-zealous’ parking enforcement, but the LGA warned that parking controls are “absolutely essential”.
The new proposals include stopping the use of CCTV for on-street parking enforcement, and an open data project to allow the public to more easily find the best place to park. The Government is consulting on tackling wrongly-issued fines, stopping unacceptable parking fine collection practices and reviewing unnecessary yellow lines.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles said: “Excessive parking charges and unfair parking fines push up the cost of living, and undermine local high streets and shopping parades. We want to rein over-zealous parking enforcement, so it focuses on supporting high streets and motorists, not raising money. Parking spy cars are just one example of this and a step too far. Public confidence is strengthened in CCTV if it is used to tackle crime, not to raise money for council coffers.”
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughli added: “Previously, ill thought-out policies have led to an increase in congestion and parking problems on our streets. By making sensible changes such as providing more parking spaces for local shoppers we can help ease traffic flow whilst supporting our vibrant high streets. Arbitrary parking rules force shoppers online or to out of town stores, causing lasting damage to local firms and small shops.”
But Cllr Tony Ball, vice chairman of the Local Government Association’s Economy and Transport Board, said: “Parking controls are not about revenue raising, they are absolutely essential for keeping the roads clear and making sure people can park near their homes and local shops.
“Camera cars have been instrumental in keeping children from being hurt or killed on the way to school, and CCTV plays an important role elsewhere in monitoring traffic flow and keeping cars moving.
“Nobody likes getting a parking fine but the fact that less than one per cent go to adjudication shows that in the vast majority of cases councils get it right.
“Income from on-street parking fines and charges is spent on parking services with any money left over spent on services like fixing potholes and providing subsidised bus travel to children and the elderly.”
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