This is a damning report that confirms what many motorists know and what the rest suspected about parking enforcement by councils: it is a mess, often unfair and sometimes dishonest, The AA Motoring Trust concludes in its response to the Transport Committee's report on Parking Policy and Enforcement.
The AA Trust recognises that maintaining the flow of traffic and fair access to parking spaces has to be enforced. But, whereas this was carried out with discretion backed with the threat of penalties before parking enforcement was decriminalised, the new system has often been driven by revenue raising, blighted by incompetence.
Reasonable-minded people expect to be treated fairly and honestly, as valued customers of local services provided by their local council. Parking needs, and parking infringements, should not be handled with the cynicism that characterises some local authorities, particularly in London.
The AA Trust welcomes this report, which shows that the time is right for a new approach. Amongst other measures, this should include a system of compensation, for drivers put through the mill by over-zealous attendants and shoddy administration. This needs to be introduced to help parking authorities focus on good service, fair enforcement, transparency and an understanding that they are dealing with people, say Paul Watters, head of roads and transport policy for The AA Motoring Trust.
The AA Motoring Trusts submission to the House of Commons Transport Committee inquiry:
Download: Finding a Space for Parking Policy (PDF 51K)
