FTA highlights parking hotspots

The FTA has produced a list of hotspots it thinks traffic authorities need to focus their attention and resources in London, following reports that commercial operators pay in excess of £600 million in parking fines each year.

Ahead of collating the list the trade organisation commissioned an in-depth study of delivery problem areas across the capital, which was part funded by the TfL Freight Unit.

The FTA says there are four zones in particular that need to improve access for commercial operators: the Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street area, which it refers to as ORB, Soho/Covent Garden, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road.

New loading bays and more flexible loading limits, in addition to a better understanding of the rules by drivers and civil enforcement officers, are some areas it says must to be addressed.

Gordon Telling, head of policy for London at the FTA, said: “Getting a proper plan, including a map based on data from 29 major companies about their PCNs [Penalty Charge Notices], is a great leap forward.  For the first time we can press traffic authorities to invest in the areas that matter most.

“We are in touch with politicians at Westminster, Camden and TfL, urging them to seize this opportunity to support local businesses on their patch by reducing unnecessary PCN costs.  We have already met with Westminster, who are keen to use the information in order to drive down costs for everyone and improve compliance.  We hope to have the same conversation with the leader of Camden and with Mayor Johnson soon.  We expect those authorities to have clear plans in place before the end of the year.

“FTA has also revamped and updated its range of support products aimed at drivers and managers to help them stay within the law.  New guidance is due shortly from the TfL Freight Unit to help traffic authorities better plan the provision of kerbside loading facilities.

“FTA believes that sorting out access in these areas can help remove many of the PCNs that are unfairly issued to its members where there is no adequate loading available.  As many of the PCNs issued here are successfully challenged, it will also help traffic authorities reduce their own costs.  The benefit to the local economy of reduced PCNs could be as much as £10 million – a much welcome shot in the arm in the current climate.”