It’s Best You Don’t Park Anymore…

What on Earth am I saying?  Well, if the government has its own way, we’ll all be only allowed to park on our own driveways, and only just.  Of course, this is only just an over-dramatisation, when in fact I’m leading into telling you all about the new parking rules and regulations.

From today, April 1st 2008, new regulations come into force governing where you can park, or rather what people can do about it if you park in the wrong place.  Namely, you’ll now have to consider (if parking in a naughty way and where you shouldn’t be) that CCTV cameras can be used to enforce parking restrictions and issue tickets.

As part of the Traffic Management Act 2004 it has been deemed that local councils across the nation will be given the power to use video footage to provide fines where traffic wardens may not have done so in person.  You’ll also find that your local (friendly I’m sure) traffic warden is going to change his/her name.  They’ll now be known as a Civil Enforcement Officer to you and I.

Of course, the government has been at least partially rational in all this.  To be fair, they have said that the system shouldn’t be used anywhere where badge parking is in operation.  This means if you need to park in a street that uses badges and you don’t live there (but still have a badge) – don’t worry, you won’t get nicked.

Fines have now been changed too.  Whether this is for better or worse really depends on how much your local council is trying to charge for this.  Apparently, from now on, you’ll get £40 or £50 taken from your bank account if you are a less serious offender, or if you have your BMW X-5 on double yellows that’s going to cost you more – somewhere in the region of £60 or £70.

Unfortunately, the new regulations give powers of PCN (Penalty Charge Notices), which means that any CEO (see, I’m learning the new lingo) can give you a ticket, without putting a funny little sticker on your windscreen.  Apparently, too many people just drive off very fast when they threaten this.

Brilliantly though, all of this should ensure the fact that the levels of car clamping goes down in the UK.  It is frankly an abhorrent practice of taking away your prized vehicle and I’m not surprised that Scotland (they seem quite sensible up there don’t they?) has banned it as a form of extortion.

Finally, the Traffic Management Act 2004 might actually put things your way.  Okay, so now there’s a higher chance of getting a rogue ticket from out of nowhere.  But did you know that you can appeal this, and many do?  Many are successful in getting an appeal each year.  My top tip is just to make sure you have evidence to back up what you’re saying if you really feel that the ticket is unjust.

Above all, safe motoring as always – and don’t park over my drive or you’ll get a ticket!