Motorists fear parking fine hike as councils call for relaxed revenue spending restrictions

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 - 13:21
Comments off
TrafficWardens

WARDEN: Parking fines to rocket?

Motorists could face steeper parking fines after councils countrywide told MPs they want spending restrictions on takings relaxed.

The call was made in a submission to MPs by the Local Government Association, acting on behalf of 327 local authorities who control street parking.

Local authorities can currently spend revenue only on transport, but if rules were eased they could hike fines to fund projects elsewhere.

However, speaking to the Daily Express, the British Retail Consortium warned higher parking prices would ensure trade continued to be driven away from the flailing town centre.

“Banning free parking is exactly the opposite of what our beleaguered high streets need,” a spokesperson claimed.

“Local authorities should be treating parking as a service and not as a revenue raiser.

“The LGA has long argued against ring-fencing of particular funds for specific purposes as this limits councils’ ability to make the most appropriate choices for their areas.”

Councils currently make more than £400million profit a year from parking, but are only allowed to spend the money on transport projects, such as road repairs or gritting.

Image courtesy of Kenneth Allen, with thanks.

Comments are closed.