Motorists may face significantly steeper parking penalties if the Government decides to lift the current cap on UK parking fines.
Transport Secretary Norman Baker said the Government is reviewing the existing cap on parking charges, which is currently £70, to keep it in line with London parking costs. The maximum penalty charge in London is £130, and he said the rest of the country has not kept up.
Mr Baker said he is also concerned about whether the current cap is high enough to deter motorists from parking illegally, as the cost of parking legitimately has increased so dramatically.
Mr Baker said: “There is an argument that the maximum parking charge has not moved in a number of years.”
“It is coming out of line with London, where it has risen regularly under both the present and previous mayor.”
“It can be argued that if the cost of legitimate parking rises to such a degree, and the penalty no longer becomes a deterrent, then it should be looked at.”
Mr Baker did admit that increasing parking penalties is controversial in the current climate, and won’t be welcomed by cash-strapped motorists. He said:
“It could be argued any increase would send the wrong message during a difficult time in the economy to motorists.”
“Also you might argue that the impact on a town centre might be detrimental if the excess charges are introduced.”
Edmund King, President of the AA, feels motoring costs are already high:
“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. It becomes a method of raising revenue rather then keeping the traffic flowing.”
The British Parking Association feels an increase in fines may benefit taxpayers, as parking enforcement is funded by council tax. For this reason they suggested that parking charges should be raised every four years and free parking should be cut back.
When MPs pressed the Transport Secretary on what the final decision was likely to be, he said:
“I am taking all the evidence which is before me in both directions and reaching a sensible conclusion. The matter is not entirely in my hands.”
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