Traffic wardens are getting a pummelling by their local council bosses who are rejecting on appeal nearly three-quarters of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued against hard-pressed London businesses.
According to figures just released by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) 72% of parking fine appeals in London are now successful. Inadequate training of wardens is being blamed for their gung-ho approach to issuing tickets while ignoring the councils’ own parking regulations. The association surveyed its members to gather information on issues such as parking fine hot spots, CCTV and PCN appeals.
Fifteen companies provided data about 32,633 parking fines they had received over a 12-month period. Of those appealed by FTA’s PCN Administration Service, the vast bulk were successful.
Natalie Chapman, FTA’s head of policy for London, said: “The results of the survey show the benefit to members of using our PCN Administration Service. Our knowledge and expertise can help them make huge savings on their expenditure on parking fines, as well as cutting down on administration costs.”
High streets were identified as the main hotspot for the issuing of PCNs, with the borough of Bromley topping the list. The most frequent reason for a ticket being issued was ‘stopped where prohibited’ – parking on a red route or clearway. Almost 36% of tickets were issued for this reason, with a further 33% handed out for parking or loading where restrictions are in force.
“Loading and unloading is an exemption to restricted street regulations – it’s allowed on single or double yellow lines for a maximum of 40 minutes. Often PCNs are issued incorrectly because the enforcement officer needs more training and doesn’t realise what’s permitted.
“Our PCN Administration Service can advise members when tickets have been issued incorrectly and should be challenged,” Natalie added.
For more information about FTA’s PCN Administration Service click here
Original article :Business Vans
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Replies
Its worth making it clear that its only 72% of the appeal cases that are upheld... not 72% of all parking tickets issued and I would imagine that only a small percentage of people actually appeal their parking tickets.
As per OP :
Article states "cases" (ie appeals) not tickets.....
"According to figures just released by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) 72% of parking fine appeals in London are now successful.
Not sure what 32,000+ represents as a % of total tickets issues in London.
..... but "headline says "cases"...... not "appeals" Anyway... it doesn't matter and I'm certainly not on the side of the traffic warden lol!!
The law changed recently I thought - council based parking areas have to give a 10 minute grace period? Don't hold me to it but swear I read that somewhere!
Watched a TV programme on it recently, PCN run on commission so will give out tickets when not relevant sometimes to bump up numbers! Stupid thing to have on commission basis really... no wonder they aren't the most popular people out there! Keep your eyes peeled guys...! :)