Parking Sign

Motorists in Scotland’s cities face a leap in the level of parking fines under new plans to help Councils offset the rising costs of enforcing parking rules.

A Scottish Government consultation – “Decriminalised Parking Enforcement – Variation of Level of Penalty Charge Notices” – has been launched to ask whether penalties should rise as high as £100. The current maximum rate is £60.

The rise would only affect areas where parking is controlled by councils, including Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen.

Council chiefs claim they need the additional revenue to offset rising wages for parking attendants and to act as a greater deterrent to drivers.

The consultation document says: “The Scottish Ministers’ goal of local authorities operating self-financing parking operations is becoming less realistic as the cost of parking enforcement rises.

“Against that scenario, ministers now propose issuing revised guidance allowing participating authorities the option to introduce two higher rates of penalty charge notice – £80 (discounted to £40 if paid within 14 days) and £100 (discounted to £50 if paid within 14 days)”

The proposals are not universally popular. A spokesperson for the Association of British Drivers was quoted in the Press & Journal as saying: “I think this just shows up the scheme for the scam that it is. The fact that the local authorities can keep the money basically makes them judge, jury and executioner.”

The consultation is due to close on 10 June 2010. Concerned drivers should send their views to: lain Gardiner, Bus, Freight and Roads Division, Area 2-F, Scottish Government, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ.

Tags: consumer, crime, legal services, parking fines, Scotland