Car parking rules relaxed in new laidback guidelines

Plans to make council car parking enforcement in England more motorist-friendly were unveiled by the Government yesterday.

Wheelclamping only for the most persistent parking penalty evaders is among the draft guidelines now out for consultation.

Special training for those involved in parking enforcement and an easier-to-follow appeal process are among other plans being considered.

"The Government is determined to see a parking system that is fairer and more consistent," said Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander.

Decriminalised parking enforcement - actions against offenders taken by councils rather than the police - will now be referred to as civil parking enforcement. Parking attendants will be known as civil enforcement officers.

The Government's plans, which are expected to take effect by the middle of next year, include: * Wheelclamping only for the most persistent parking penalty evaders * More transparency and information for road users with authorities publishing their policies and reports *Dedicated training for everyone involved in administering civil parking enforcement from on the street right up to the boardroom * A more motorist-friendly appeals process with a penalty charge discount re-offered after an informal challenge *More powers being given to the independent adjudicators to intervene where procedures have not been followed properly *Regular review of parking policies by local authorities in consultation with stakeholders n Persistent parking offenders targeted through a nationwide database.

Mr Alexander said: "The Government is determined to see a parking system that is fairer and more consistent. These proposals are a significant stride towards achieving that goal. We have listened to motorists and it is clear that the current system needs to be improved.

"Taken together, the proposals in this draft guidance will strengthen the system of civil parking enforcement and help local authorities tackle local congestion and keep the traffic moving."

Publication of the plans comes after a strong attack on parking enforcement in a report by the House of Commons Transport Committee which received wide publicity last month.