Scorn for new blueprint on parking enforcement
This is Dorset
By Julie Magee
PLANS to make car parking enforcement in England more motorist-friendly have been branded "a smokescreen".
And there are calls for a higher power to step in if "errant" local authorities fail to follow guidelines unveiled on Wednesday.
The government's proposals include clamping for persistent offenders only, special training for enforcement officers and an easier appeal process.
Transport secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The government is determined to see a parking system that is fairer and more consistent."
But the People's No Campaign spokesman Neil Herron said: "This is just a smokescreen to allow the industry to continue, with some tinkering around the edges.
"It's nothing to do with fairness or justice but everything to do with maximisation of revenue."
The Echo revealed last month how borough parking attendants had issued more than £200,000 worth of illegal parking tickets in the past five years.
The AA Motoring Trust called for powers for a higher authority to step in if parking authorities fail to follow the guidelines.
Paul Watters, the trust's head of road and transport, said: "Guidelines must be properly managed and policed for them to work properly.
"Without teeth to bring errant authorities back into line they will become worthless and undermine public confidence."
Bournemouth council's parking and enforcement manager Gerry Bolland said: "We have, from the outset, endeavoured to operate our parking enforcement regime as a traffic management tool, reducing congestion, providing for kerb space management and contributing to road safety.
"The Traffic Management Act sets out to ensure that all local authorities operate in this manner.
"We welcome these changes and believe they will assist all local authorities to deliver a uniformed and equitable parking enforcement regime."
MOTORISTS' VIEWPOINT
MOTORISTS in Bournemouth gave the new car parking proposals their seal of approval.
Angus Scott, 34, from Southbourne, said: "I think traffic wardens are too quick to pounce on drivers at the end of the day it's all about the council making money.
"There should be some middle ground and motorists shouldn't feel they are being penalised from every direction."
Helen Reid, 24, from Boscombe, said: "I hate getting parking tickets I'd rather tear up the money than give it to the council. I already pay council tax and car tax so I feel I'm paying out enough already."
Bobby Jacobs, 18, from Poole, said: "Traffic wardens are detested by many drivers because they are so unbending.
"If their rules were more relaxed I think motorists would be more tolerant and situations wouldn't become so heated."
By Julie Magee
PLANS to make car parking enforcement in England more motorist-friendly have been branded "a smokescreen".
And there are calls for a higher power to step in if "errant" local authorities fail to follow guidelines unveiled on Wednesday.
The government's proposals include clamping for persistent offenders only, special training for enforcement officers and an easier appeal process.
Transport secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The government is determined to see a parking system that is fairer and more consistent."
But the People's No Campaign spokesman Neil Herron said: "This is just a smokescreen to allow the industry to continue, with some tinkering around the edges.
"It's nothing to do with fairness or justice but everything to do with maximisation of revenue."
The Echo revealed last month how borough parking attendants had issued more than £200,000 worth of illegal parking tickets in the past five years.
The AA Motoring Trust called for powers for a higher authority to step in if parking authorities fail to follow the guidelines.
Paul Watters, the trust's head of road and transport, said: "Guidelines must be properly managed and policed for them to work properly.
"Without teeth to bring errant authorities back into line they will become worthless and undermine public confidence."
Bournemouth council's parking and enforcement manager Gerry Bolland said: "We have, from the outset, endeavoured to operate our parking enforcement regime as a traffic management tool, reducing congestion, providing for kerb space management and contributing to road safety.
"The Traffic Management Act sets out to ensure that all local authorities operate in this manner.
"We welcome these changes and believe they will assist all local authorities to deliver a uniformed and equitable parking enforcement regime."
MOTORISTS' VIEWPOINT
MOTORISTS in Bournemouth gave the new car parking proposals their seal of approval.
Angus Scott, 34, from Southbourne, said: "I think traffic wardens are too quick to pounce on drivers at the end of the day it's all about the council making money.
"There should be some middle ground and motorists shouldn't feel they are being penalised from every direction."
Helen Reid, 24, from Boscombe, said: "I hate getting parking tickets I'd rather tear up the money than give it to the council. I already pay council tax and car tax so I feel I'm paying out enough already."
Bobby Jacobs, 18, from Poole, said: "Traffic wardens are detested by many drivers because they are so unbending.
"If their rules were more relaxed I think motorists would be more tolerant and situations wouldn't become so heated."
posted by Neil Herron at 12:43 PM
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