MPs call for parking fines overhaul

This Lancashire
22 June 06

Parkwise is responsible for handing out parking fines in Lancashire








Lancashire MPs have blasted the parking fines system, calling for an overhaul which makes it fairer and more sensible.
Michael Jack, MP for Fylde, and Lindsay Hoyle, MP for Chorley, spoke out as a House of Commons committee urged the Government to step in and change the "inconsistent and confused" way that the system is currently run.
The transport committee is urging the Government to ban "bonus" schemes where parking attendants get extra pay based on the amount of tickets they issue.
They also say that attendants should be better trained and show more common sense when it comes to whether a ticket ought to be issued at all.
Mr Hoyle said in response to the damming report from the committee of MPs: "We need to see a more flexible and sensible line being taken when it comes to issuing parking tickets.
"There are cases where people may be parked one inch over the line or they come back to the car a couple of minutes late.
"There needs to be better public relations between parking attendants and motorists.
"We also ought to be taking any incentives for issuing tickets out of the system completely."
Mr Jack said: "I think that what people object to is that there is little flexibility in the system.
"They feel that some attendants are being overzealous in enforcing parking."