London fines rise 'unfair'
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THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT Association (AA) is calling for Mayor of London Boris Johnson to justify a planned 8.3% rise in parking fines across Greater London, which is due to come into force on 1 April 2011.
The proposals follow London Councils' consultation, Additional Parking Charges in Greater London, which ran from 1 July to 30 September 2010. Both the FTA and the Brewery Logistics Group (BLG) suggested that a third tier of fines should be created specifically for CVs. Both organisations say that none of their suggestions have been considered.
The proposed hike would see fines in the higher rate band increase from £120 to £130. The current two-tier differential parking charge system, introduced in July 2007, sets fines in Band A at £80 for minor offences and £120 for more serious offences.
"Unfortunately for our members, due to the nature of loading and unloading, the majority of their contraventions are in the higher band. so are therefore subject to the £10 price hike. This is grossly unfair and amounts to a tax on business," says Natalie Chapman, FTA head of policy for London.
BLG chairman Mike Bracey says: No attempt has been made by London Councils to consider the views of the haulage industry. It is the equivalent of a further 8.3% tax rise on operators, giving a total increase of 30% in less than four years."
London Councils represents London's 32 borough councils and Transport for London.