Gordon welcomes common sense parking measures

10th March 2015
Gordon welcomes common sense parking measures

Local MP Gordon Henderson has welcomed new common-sense measures to make sure drivers are treated more fairly when parking in Swale, so that more people are encouraged to visit and support our local small businesses.

The measures announced by the Government include:

• A 10 minute grace period for drivers when parked in a council-owned car park or on-street parking space – so they’re not hit with a fine after being only a few minutes late back to their car.
• Banning the industrial use of CCTV ‘spy cars’ which issue automated fines.
• Stopping drivers being fined when parking meters are not working.
• Reinforcing the law that parking cannot be used by councils to generate revenue to use to fund general council spending.
• Allowing local residents and businesses to petition their council to review their parking policies to make sure they are supporting local businesses and high streets.

Gordon Henderson commented:

‘I get lots of complaints about the lack of common sense shown by some traffic wardens and the strict way in which parking rules are enforced. I have had a case where a mother was a couple of minutes late getting back to her car because of a problem with her child, only to find she had received a ticket.

‘That is a nonsense, which is why I am delighted that the Government is introducing new common sense changes to make it easier for people to park in Swale.

‘Official figures show that Swale Borough Council received £815,000 in surplus revenue from parking charges and £202,000 in parking fines in 2013/14. I very much hope that Swale will get behind the changes that have been announced and ensure that local motorists are treated more fairly.

‘Of course, the fact that people and businesses can now challenge these parking policies should encourage the council to do this!’