Councils should go easy on motoring fines, says transport minister

Ministers have told councils to go easier on motoring fines, which will be welcome news for the many motorists who have fallen victim to harsh fines recently.

Ministers said parking wardens, wheel clampers and council bureaucrats should stop treating drivers as cash cows, claims The Daily Mail.

Transport minister Norman Baker said that motorists should be treated with a softer touch. That extends to pregnant women who flout parking rules when struggling to the shops.

This is good news for used car buyers, who may be encouraged to replace their motor as the cost of keeping a car could become that little bit cheaper.

"I recognise that parking is a very important aspect of life, and that councils and private operators have a legitimate right to enforce parking measures," said Mr Baker. "Parking should not be seen as a cash cow, no matter how tempting that is in these difficult times."

The news comes as the government prepares to crackdown on unscrupulous parking. Currently motorists can only appeal to clampers themselves, however the new plans would see motorists given an independent right of appeal.

However, Mr Baker said that councils shouldn't be tempted to raise the price of parking to make up any gaps in funding caused by taking a soft touch on motorists.

"I would strongly advise councils not to do this," he said. "It will have the effect of making the parking providers very unpopular and will become an unfair tax on the motorist."

Francesca Armstrong, Brentwood, Vauxhall Agila

Stephen Wilson, London, AUDI A5 COUPE