Hillingdon Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to parking fines, aimed at tackling the rising number of parking contraventions in the borough. The consultation will run from today (17 April) until noon on Monday, 5 June.
According to recent data, Hillingdon Council has seen a significant increase in the number of tickets issued for parking contraventions, with a rise of 29% between 2018/19 and 2021/22. This is in comparison to the London average of 21% during the same period.
Currently, there are two levels for charging parking fines within the capital. Hillingdon Council uses the lower level and hasn’t been reviewed since 2011. In an effort to deter non-compliance with parking restrictions, the council proposes increasing the penalty amount to Band A, which is used by 25 of the 32 London Councils and the City of London.
The council believes that by increasing the penalty amount, more people will be deterred from breaking parking rules, resulting in a reduction in the number of fines issued annually. Currently, anyone issued a higher rate parking fine for more serious contraventions gets charged £110, or a reduced charge of £55 if paid within 14 days. A lower rate fine is charged at £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
If the proposed changes are implemented, Band A charges will be set at £130 for higher fines and £80 for lower fines, both of which will be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
The public consultation provides an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The council will consider all feedback received before making a final decision on the changes.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “Our proposals to move to Band A charging form part of the council’s commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour and taking enforcement action to protect residents.
“The plans seek to address a rise in illegal and anti-social parking in the borough. With penalty charge notices last amended more than 10 years ago their deterrent effect has substantially reduced since then as a result of inflation, and in some instances motorists even factor this cost into their journey.
“We want to ensure and maintain a high level of compliance with parking restrictions, reduce congestion and keep traffic flowing, and I encourage residents to have their say in this survey.”
Following the consultation, feedback will be presented to the council’s Cabinet which will make a decision whether to apply to the Secretary of State to change the band for the borough. Any application to the Secretary of State is also subject to the prior approval of London Councils and the Mayor of London. If an application is progressed and successful, it is unlikely that any change would take effect before 2024/25.
To have your say, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/pcn-consultation.
