Skip advert
Advertisement

Parking fine minimum could be abolished

'Cash cow' criticism prompts Government to tackle parking charges

traffic warden

The law setting a minimum charge for parking penalties in the UK could be abolished to allow local authorities to lower parking fines for minor violations.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering legal options to make the changes after criticism that councils use parking as a ‘cash cow’.

The DfT is also looking at making five minute ‘grace periods’ – which some councils already operate voluntarily - a statutory requirement.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Local authorities will also have to publish parking accounts to improve transparency.

The announcements form the official response to a House of Commons report published by the Transport Select Committee last year.

• Volvo self-parking system

The report found ‘a deep rooted perception that local authorities view parking enforcement as a cash cow’.

It also questioned the disparity between parking fines compared with fines for more serious offences such as speeding.

Councils collected record profits from parking charges and fines in 2012/13 but in December Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin froze parking penalty charges for the remainder of the current Parliament.

A public consultation – due to end in February - on aggressive parking policies was also launched. It included the idea of scrapping CCTV camera cars for parking enforcement.

Louise Ellman, chairman of the Transport Select Committee, welcomed the Government’s actions. She said: "There is a feeling that people aren't being treated very fairly, and that's what the report was about.

"Councils do have a lot of discretion and that's right as it is a local service but it is about being reasonable.

"Councils must be much clearer about what they are doing with their money and what money they are making."

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said changes were needed to reflect the fact parking offences were misdemeanours rather than fines.

He added: "We need some proportionality and transparency. It was almost four years ago that the coalition promised to end the war on the motorist.

“It isn't over yet but perhaps these latest proposals will take us a step closer to victory."

• New appeal service for private car parks• Councils' parking profits soar• Speed limit to be cut to 60mph on M1• Volvo self-parking system

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025