Councils to hike up resident parking prices for the most polluting cars

8 June 2010

Eight out of London’s 33 borough authorities have introduced CO2-based parking plans where residents are charged up to three times more for a parking permit if they have a bigger-engined car, in many cases doubling the cost of a resident’s parking permit.

The first increase of this kind was seen in Richmond Borough Council, in affluent south-west London, where overnight the cost of parking – except for those with driveways – went from a maximum of £100 to £300, or a staggering £450 for a second vehicle.

Paul Watters, head of AA’s transport policy comments “There could be worse to come; councils are also keenly monitoring Richmond’s latest wheeze – an electronic card parking scheme that also hits ‘gas guzzlers’. It encourages drivers to register their cars online and after providing their cars CO2 details, they receive a pre-pay card which can be topped up and swiped at street and car parking ticket machines in the borough.

Cars with emissions between 121g/km and 180g/km, including some Ford Focuses, pay 25 per cent less than base rates. But owners of cars emitting more than 181g/km of CO2, such as some Ford Mondeos and many 4×4’s, must pay 25 per cent above standard rates. It is estimated that the move could net the council an extra £800,000 a year.”

Julia Callan, MD at 24 7 Parking says “It is a blatant attempt to squeeze even more cash from London’s motorists. It is unacceptable to penalise a vehicle on its emissions when the car is switched off.”

Proposed changes to the London congestion charge

7 June 2010

Boris Johnson’s plans to scrap the western extension of the congestion charge, also include raising the current congestion charge from £8 to £10 and from £10 to £12 if paid the next working day.

The congestion charge was first introduced in February 2003 at £5 a day, meaning it has doubled in just seven years.

The mayor has also proposed a new account paying system to allow drivers to avoid penalty charge notices and make paying the congestion charge easier and more convenient. Customers would need a credit card or debit card and to pay a £10 registration charge for each vehicle on the account. Auto-pay customers would also be eligible for a daily charge of £9.

Julia Callan, MD at 24 7 Parking comments “ Many Londoners may well question whether increasing the congestion charge to £10 represents value for money. We have parking both inside and outside the congestion charge zone so whether this increase matter to you or not we have parking to suit your needs.”

Common sense beats car thefts

1 June 2010

With thefts from parked automobiles on the up, some people will go to the wildest extremes to protect their cars. In South Africa where the crime rate is notoriously high, some owners have taken to leaving pythons in their cars to deter thieves. And from the US we hear that one Florida resident was recently fined for having a hungry alligator in his car. Here in London, of course, it seldom gets more unusual that a vicious dog or two.

As animal lovers, we at 247 Parking cannot condone leaving animals cooped up in parked cars to deter opportunists from snatching your sat nav or your stereo. As car owners we can’t recommend it because…well let’s just say that cleaning the interior could be a tad unpleasant.
Some common sense is needed. Remove everything from your car, even coats, and stick it all in the boot. Install a car alarm. Register with Immobilise (www.immobilise.com) the free register of possession ownership details and display a sticker on your windscreen. Get a steering wheel lock. But above all else, park somewhere safe.

We at 247 Parking have been providing safe, secure and affordable parking in Central London and nationwide for nearly eight years. We can find you space in car parks or in safe residential and commercial zones where your vehicle will be safe.

“It’s mad to risk your car or its contents by parking at random in an area you don’t know. We feel that by taking responsibility for our own cars and their contents, we benefit other drivers.

Because if there are no easy pickings for car thieves then they’ll soon give up,” says 247 Parking MD Julia Callan. “As anyone who has had their car broken into will tell you, the hassle of dealing with police,  insurance and repairs far outweighs the inconvenience of spending a few moments to hide your property and secure your vehicle. And the cost of a secure block-booked parking space far outweighs increased insurance premiums.”

About 24 7 Parking:
Established in 2002, 24 7 Parking are experts in finding car parking in London and across the UK. Whether clients are looking for a months’ parking or a years’ parking, 24 7 Parking will find the most convenient and cost effective options.

Contact details:
24 7 Parking Limited,
309 Linen Hall,
162-168 Regent Street,
London
W1B 5TD
Tel: 020 7183 7247
Email: info@247parking.com

Plans unveiled to scrap western extension of the congestion charge

1 June 2010

The proposed abolition of the western extension of the congestion charge has been outlined by Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, in a formal 10-week public consultation which will close on August 2.

The Conservative mayor also proposes the introduction of a “greener vehicle discount” that would exempt cars that emit 100g/km of CO2 or less and meet the “Euro V” standard for air quality, in an attempt to encourage much cleaner and more carbon efficient cars. This would be reviewed in three years to ensure that the congestion charge and environmental benefits of the scheme are being maintained.

A review of the western extension was first promised during the mayoral election in 2008. Transport for London predicts a revenue loss of £55m, and an increase in congestion and air pollutants in the west London area.

On traffic and congestion, Tfl also maintains that a number of measures will minimise problems, such as accelerated installation of computer-optimised traffic signals, the London roadworks permit scheme and continued workplace and school travel planning.

Johnson said “West London never wanted the western extension and it is right that residents there can now tell us whether this Christmas should see the end of it. The central zone still plays a useful role but it has to be administered more fairly and straightforwardly, which is why I’m delighted the proposals include changes that should mean no one need ever be fined again.”

Julia Callan, MD at 24 7 Parking comments “The mayor is right to purpose removing the western extension as the majority of residents and businesses were originally opposed to it.”

Commuter survey

26 May 2010

While some UK local councils are raking in almost £7 million a year from parking tickets, hard-pressed business people commuting into Central London are paying around £500 on average every year in fines – and are now factoring this into their operating costs.

A survey of commuters carried out by the 247 Parking website found that people driving into central London not only have to pay the Congestion Charge but are increasingly forced to park illegally because of the sheer lack of street parking in central London. Parking tickets and wheel clamps for many have become an occupational hazard.

One London estate agent found herself in the unfortunate situation of getting six parking tickets in one day.

“I have to use the car for my work, showing clients around properties. Public transport just isn’t an option. The really annoying thing is that while I knew that I was parking in a risky place when I got the first ticket, every other time I was pretty sure I was parking legally. The final ticket I got after I had left the car for literally under five minutes,” says independent Estate Agent Monica Jenkins, 36, from Morden.

Some are even writing off the costs of parking tickets into their operating costs.

“Last year I paid around £700 in fines. I travel into Hammersmith regularly and parking is almost impossible. I’m afraid that I just accept parking fines as part of the cost of doing business in London,” says New Media Consultant Justin Webb, 36, of Maningtree.

With long-running engineering works set to affect the Northern Line, coupled with ongoing problems with commuter rail services, many people feel that they have no option but to drive into London. Strikes planned for February 5 and 14 will see a significant increase in road traffic into Central London.

A more affordable alternative to just living with parking tickets, however, is provided by 247 Parking. For over eight years 247 Parking has offered commuters and visitors affordable secure parking in or close to their destination.Â

“Some business travellers think that parking is too expensive and too difficult to arrange and are therefore prepared to risk getting parking tickets,” says 247 Parking MD Julia Callan. “We offer a really easy to use and cheap service that can save drivers a lot of grief as well as a lot of money.”

The survey of 1215 respondents breaks down as follows:

1. Have you parked illegally in London in the past 6 months?

Yes      76 per cent

No      24 per cent

2. How many tickets have you had in the past six months?

None     11 per cent

One     29 per cent

Under five    54 per cent

Five to 10    4 per cent

More than 10    2 per cent

3. Have you successfully contested a parking ticket in the past year?

Yes     13 per cent

No     87 per cent

4. How often do you take your car into central London?

Never     11 per cent

Once a year    13 per cent

Once a year to once a month 26 per cent

Once a month to once a week 28 per cent

Every day    22 per cent

5. How much did you pay in parking fines last year?

£0     12 per cent

Less than £50   9 per cent

£50 – £100    11 per cent

£100 – £400    23 per cent

£400 – £500    23 per cent

£500 – £700    21 per cent

Over £700    1 per cent

About 24 7 Parking:
Established in 2002, 24 7 Parking are experts in finding car parking in London and across the UK. Whether clients are looking for a months’ parking or a years’ parking, 24 7 Parking will find the most convenient and cost effective options.
Contact details:

24 7 Parking Limited,
309 Linen Hall,
162-168 Regent Street,
London
W1B 5TD
Tel: 020 7183 7247
Email: info@247parking.com