The two-tier system of parking fines introduced in July 2007 is being criticised by many as a cynical measure to rake in more revenue for London’s councils.

But London Councils, who spearheaded the scheme, said it had public backing and people were in favour of the heavier penalties for offences of a more potentially dangerous nature.

The system sets some fines at £80 while the more serious offences – such as parking on zigzag lines, parking in a bus lane, making a banned right turn – result in a £120 fine. Over the year that the new system has been in operation, councils have issued three times more fines at the higher charge – that is, almost 3 million £120 fines compared to 900,000 £80 fines.

While initially praised by many London councils when it was first introduced, the system is now seen by its critics as a cynical scheme aimed at increasing parking revenue while appearing to be fairer on motorists.

The total value of tickets issued in 2007–2008 was £40 million higher than it would have been under the old system with a flat £50 fine, so the reason for such criticism is understandable  (although the amount councils actually received will have been somewhat less since a 50% discount is applied if tickets are paid within 14 days).

Parking campaigner Barrie Segal criticised the scheme, saying, “At the launch they were saying this would be a fairer system for motorists. But it actually gave them the chance to substantially increase the fine for everyday offences such as stopping on a single yellow line.” He challenged councils “to prove they did not make projections at the time showing this system would raise revenue”.

This view was echoed by London taxi driver Joe Cartwright, who said, “It is an obvious PR stunt. They want to make themselves look better while making as much money as possible from the motorist.”

As councils bring in ever more measures to boost revenue, one way motorists can escape the plethora of parking and other restrictions is to obtain season parking tickets, from firms such as 24 7 Parking, which provide convenient and hassle-free parking at many locations across London.

For press enquiries, please contact Peter Cooper on 020 7183 7247
Email: info@247parking.com
Web: www.247parking.com

News provided by 24 7 Parking Ltd, a leading marketing services provider to the car parking industry in the UK, and a leading de facto marketplace for buyers and sellers, or lessees and lessors, of car parking spaces.

24 7 Parking carries out daily surveys of the national media to provide up-to-date news and commentary on UK transport.