The Transport Select Committee has announced recommendations to the government regarding Local Authority Parking Enforcements in England.

Included is that they should discuss with transport companies and local authorities ways of dealing with the needs of businesses, and that greater clarity should be provided on the rules for loading and unloading.

The report published in October reflected the views of the Freight Transport Association’s evidence provided to a recent inquiry looking at Local Authority Parking Enforcement in England. FTA had told the House of Commons Transport Select Committee of the impact and costs of local authority parking enforcement on business.

FTA’s Managing Director of Policy & Communications - James Hookham had provided oral evidence to the Transport Select Committee when he stressed that the Traffic Management Act (TMA), that governs local authority parking policy, was in need of fundamental review as it fails to distinguish between ‘parking provision’, which is mainly concerned with private cars, and deliveries to commercial and residential premises, which are an essential economic activity.

James Hookham said, “FTA is delighted that its voice has been heard on behalf of its members. We told the Transport Committee that the Traffic Management Act (TMA) was in need of fundamental review; the Committee’s recommendation to the government to hold a roundtable discussion with road hauliers and local authorities has to be a step in the right direction.  Whilst reducing congestion is important, there needs to be a balance, and good provision for deliveries is essential to support local businesses.”

In addition the Committee Announcement stated that local authorities must work with local businesses to develop innovative parking solutions that work for their areas while government should consider developing business rates relief for businesses that invest in affordable town centre parking.

Mr Hookham added, “No operator sets out to deliberately contravene the restrictions on parking, but the lack of adequate provision means that delivery vehicles have little choice but to stop on restricted routes to gain access to adjacent premises, and become ‘easy pickings’ for enforcement officers.  The law needs to be clarified to distinguish between ‘parking’ and ‘delivery and servicing activity’.”