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Changes in parking fines could cause "chaos"

7:42am Monday 14th January 2008

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A new system of parking fines could cause confusion and "chaos" with fines soaring, according to the AA.

The government plans to introduce a tier system of fine depending on the seriousness of the offence and where it is committed.

But it means that parking fines in London will rise by £20 for the higher level of each band of fine, with the most serious offence resulting in a £120 charge The Traffic Management Act will introduce five bands and each depends on the offence in question.

Parking on double yellow lines or in a disabled bay will attract the highest band while overstaying in a parking bay will be treated as a lower offence.

The AA estimates that three quarters of all offences will fall into the serious category.

Speaking to the BBC Breakfast programme, Paul Watters from the AA said: "It's a question of whether local authorities are geared up to do this, whether they understand all the implications of the new rules and whether motorists are going to find that authorities are acting fairly.

"There is a potential for some chaos, as authorities are going to have to run two systems together."

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Jock, London says...
6:30pm Mon 14 Jan 08

Common sense, and a thorough knowlegde of the Highway Code already tell me not to park on double yellow lines, or in a disabled bay because I'm not registered disabled. This is regardless of how many "tiers" there are.

Anyone who lacks similar comprehension should think about a refresher course in the Highway Code. Daily, I see a number of drivers who would benefit from one!

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Steve, London says...
10:04pm Thu 17 Apr 08

I agree with every thing you say Jack . . commom sense rules. I pulled into what we recognise as a Red Route "parking box". My boot was level with the cash machine I desperately needed to use. The traffic wasn't even remotely busy. I hopped out of the car, did my tranaction and was even thinking how considerate the position I was in. I looked around for any obstruction I might have been causing to my fellow commuters . . . none as the photos testify. I don't mind being caught for not reading the signs properly but I think the severity of the penalty is outrageous. I can defend myself in front of an intelligent person purely on the evidence but that evidence has a cost!! What country in the whole world charges for the freedom of information. I intend to pursue this in court.

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