The call comes as the Transport Committee publishes a report on the need for stringent transparency parking charges, with chair Louise Ellman saying that the use of such charges and fines specifically to raise revenue by local authorities is neither ‘acceptable nor legal’.
The report says that while businesses cannot be completely exempt from parking restrictions, local authorities must ensure that the need to restrict parking and manage congestion does not stifle the ability of businesses to trade and help grow the economy.
It adds that the DfT's Operational Guidance to Local Authorities on Parking Policy and Enforcement be clarified and updated, particularly in relation to rules for loading and unloading.
And the report includes a statement that local authorities work with local businesses to develop innovative parking solutions that work for their area while Government should consider developing business rates relief for businesses that invest in affordable town centre parking solutions.
In response, the Freight Transport Association has said that the report’s recommendations reflected the views of the FTA’s evidence provided to a recent inquiry looking at Local Authority Parking Enforcement in England.
The FTA’s managing director of policy & communications, James Hookham said: ‘FTA is delighted that its voice has been heard on behalf of its members. We told the Transport Committee that the Traffic Management Act (TMA) was in need of fundamental review; the Committee’s recommendation to the Government to hold a roundtable discussion with road hauliers and local authorities has to be a step in the right direction. Whilst reducing congestion is important, there needs to be a balance, and good provision for deliveries is essential in order to support local businesses.’
In response to the Committee’s statement that local authorities must work with local businesses to develop innovative parking solutions, Hookham added:
‘No operator sets out to deliberately contravene the restrictions on parking, but the lack of adequate provision means that delivery vehicles have little choice but to stop on restricted routes to gain access to adjacent premises, and become “easy pickings” for enforcement officers. The law needs to be clarified to distinguish between “parking” and “delivery and servicing activity”.
‘The issuing of a PCN is a sign of policy failure rather than enforcement success. However, due to the potentially large income local authorities can make from fines, the incentive is not there to reduce the numbers issued. Greater leadership by central government is needed to ensure a consistent and fair application of the parking policy framework which respects the difference between illegal parking and vital business deliveries.’
In response to the Committee’s statement
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