Henry Smith MP has welcomed new measures to make sure drivers are treated more fairly when parking in Crawley, so that more people are encouraged to visit and support local small businesses.
Henry said;
“I’m pleased that this Government is seeking to protect motorists, rather than go after them as a cash cow.
“Under Labour, parking rules made law-abiding motorists feel like criminals, and caused enormous damage to shops and businesses.”
The measures announced by the Government include:
- A 10 minute grace period for drivers when parked in a council-owned car park or on-street parking space – so they’re not hit with a fine after being only a few minutes late back to their car.
- Banning the industrial use of CCTV ‘spy cars’ which issue automated fines.
- Stopping drivers being fined when parking meters are not working.
- Reinforcing the law that parking cannot be used by councils to generate revenue to use to fund general council spending.
- Allowing local residents and businesses to petition their council to review their parking policies to make sure they are supporting local businesses and high streets.
Henry previously introduced a bill to Parliament challenging unscrupulous private car park operators, the ideas of which were adopted in the Government’s Freedom Bill.
Henry continued;
“This is an issue I’ve been campaigning on throughout my time as Member of Parliament for Crawley. I’m reassured to see Conservative Ministers introducing new common sense changes to make it easier for people to visit and park in our town.
“Official figures show that Crawley Borough Council received £32,000 in surplus revenue from parking charges and £177,000 in parking fines in 2013/14.
“I hope the Crawley Council will get behind the changes that have been announced, and ensure that their policies are not deterring people from visiting the town. The fact that people and businesses can now challenge these parking policies should encourage the council to do this.”
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