More than half of private parking companies (52%) audited by the Government have been rated as ‘red’ or ‘amber’ over their use of DVLA vehicle keeper data, new analysis of Freedom of Information data by the RAC has found. Ninety car park management companies, which can request information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s database for the … [Read more...]
Innocent drivers facing massive fines
New government guidance explains how to report stolen or cloned plates and challenge fines for journeys your vehicle never made. Drivers whose number plates have been stolen are being warned to replace them before getting back on the road, or risk a fine of up to £1,000 for failing to display their registration correctly. The warning from number plate … [Read more...]
Zones and what it costs if you get them wrong
Driving "zones" are the new traps for motorists, one rental company has warned. Drivers entering the wrong zone without paying could face penalties ranging from £60 to £180, with repeat Scottish LEZ offences rising as high as £480 British motorists are being warned not to assume the UK’s growing number of low-emission and road-charging zones all operate … [Read more...]
Fleets hit by PCNs and cloned plates
A new type of penalty charge notice appears to have emerged and is being sent to members of the Association of Fleet Professionals. Issued by a company called Forecourt Eye, the PCNs are being used to recover amounts owed when a company vehicle drives away without paying for fuel. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry body, said several members of the … [Read more...]
Terrifying speeds recorded by police, say RAC
Seven-in-10 police forces caught drivers travelling at twice the speed limit or more on 30mph roads last year, the RAC has found. Findings from a Freedom of Information request made to the UK’s police forces show the truly terrifying speeds some people are prepared to drive at that put everybody at risk. One driver was caught at 89mph on a 20mph stretch of … [Read more...]
Which? fight against spy cameras
The Consumers’ Association Which? magazine is highlighting inaccurate and illegal ANPR cameras used to charge penalty fines on innocent drivers. Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras are increasingly used in car parks, petrol stations and on the roads more generally to monitor wrongdoing. But these cameras aren't always reliable. Even at an estimated … [Read more...]
Majority want school-streets parking ban
Eight out of 10 people back banning cars in streets around schools to encourage children to travel by healthier alternatives, shows new research. April’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 49% believe children are too inactive and 47% that too many parents take their kids to school by car. Also, 29% think the move will reduce school run congestion and 31% … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 March
The Taxpayers’ Alliance is organising a series of city wide events today in Cardiff to protest at council plans to charge residents parking fees based on vehicle weight. It is also protesting at the planned cuts in on-street parking in the Welsh Capital. Cardiff is revealed to be the commuting city where drivers move fastest in the UK, with an average … [Read more...]
Drivers new parking ban in Wales
Drivers will be banned from pavement parking by local council legislation under plans being considered by the Welsh Government. The new legislation in Wales forms part of discussions Welsh Government is having with the UK Government and which was announced earlier this month. Wheelchair users and parents with push-chairs as well as visually handicapped … [Read more...]
Pavement parking bans left to councils
Disabled people will benefit from new local powers being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions across their area, helping keep them clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, while allowing exemptions where needed. Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair … [Read more...]
