The government has introduced new measures to tackle “over-zealous parking enforcement” and bring shoppers back to the high street.
When the new rues come into effect later this month, drivers will be given a 10 minute grace period before being issued a fine after overstaying at council-owned parking spaces in England.
Alongside the introduction of a grace period, the government has banned the use of CCTV ‘spy cars’ in the majority of circumstances, meaning that motorists will no longer be angered by surprise automated fines landing on their doorstep days later.
New guidance will also be issued to councils to remind them that parking cannot be used to make profits.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:
“We are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business. For too long parking rules have made law-abiding motorists feel like criminals, and caused enormous damage to shops and businesses.
“Over-zealous parking enforcement undermines our town centres and costs councils more in the long-term. Our measures not only bring big benefits for high streets, motorists and local authorities – they put common sense back into parking.”
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin commented:
“Helping local businesses thrive is a key part of our long-term economic plan. These measures will deliver a fairer deal for motorists and help boost the high street by ensuring that parking enforcement is proportionate, while also protecting school children and keeping key routes and bus lanes clear.”
