Public Affairs
Roads, Traffic and Parking
Learning the lessons of the recent severe winter weather 
The severe and prolonged snow and ice of December 2009 and January 2010 taught us many lessons and serves as a reminder that many of us, individuals and organisations, should think more about how we can cope better in future with similar conditions.
(February 2010)
Paying for parking by phone - how does it work/what do you think?
In many places the number of on street parking machines or meters has been dramatically reduced and drivers are advised by sign to call a number, register and pay for their use of a space. In some places pay-by-phone is the only option (e.g. Westminster) but in many others, cash payment options exist or scratch cards are available from local shops. The signs give clear guidance about what to do.
(October 2009)
Workplace parking levies - Nottingham scheme confirmed
Nottingham City Council has now confirmed its Department for Transport approved plans to introduce a levy of £253 p.a. per workplace parking space in 2012 - this will rise to around £350 p.a. by 2015. Penalties for 'exceeding' the number of declared parking spaces, enforced by random checks, will be heavy.
(October 2009)
Record drop in congestion reflects economic crisis
Britain's road network is wearing the scars of the economic climate on its sleeve, according to a new report by Trafficmaster and the AA. The report shows that since the credit crunch began two years ago, there has been a dramatic 31% reduction in road congestion across all major motorways and trunk roads. (September 2009)
'Tax on work'could cost £3.4 billion
Drivers and businesses across England could face a massive £3.4 billion bill for simply using their own car parking spaces to park at work. (February 2009)
Parking at dropped kerbs
Plans to fine cars that park next to dropped kerbs, without signs or road markings to tell drivers not to, must not go ahead, says the AA. Even more absurdly, drivers could be issued £70 penalty charge notices for parking in front of the dropped kerb leading to their own house. (January 2009)
50 years of motorways in the UK
Motorways have come a long way since Britain's first, the Preston by pass, was opened in 1958. We've picked our top ten most important dates in the history of British motorways and describe where future improvements are essential - capacity, roadworks, incident management, creaking junctions, driver information, service areas and safety. (September 2008)
Clamping on private land
Since May 2005 laws have been in place to stop the antics of criminal wheelclampers. The Civil Courts in England have deemed that wheelclamping on private land is lawful, providing certain conditions relating to signing and the release fee are fulfilled. (August 2008)
Car Share Lanes Waste Capacity
In theory car share lanes make sense but in practice they are underused and abused. Hence they waste road capacity and are a nightmare to enforce. (23 February 2008)
Changes to Civil Parking Enforcement
On 1 April 2008 significant changes take place to civil parking enforcement. This is parking enforcement undertaken by local authorities rather than the police. As parking attendents become known as Civil Enforcement Officers, changes include the introduction of two levels of penalty, whilst Local Authorities will be able to serve penalty notices by post. (January 2008)
Know who's driving your car? Failure to disclose now carries tougher penalty
Failing to disclose who was driving when caught speeding (or committing other endorseable offences) now carries a tougher penalty – six penalty points instead of three. Most speeding offences are detected by speed cameras, which cannot always identify the driver. The changes are to combat drivers who try to use weaknesses in the law to avoid fines and points on their licence. (Oct 2007)
Drivers risk falling down the cracks of stagnant road maintenance spending
Potholes, missing road markings, signs hidden in bushes and drains that are blocked even before it rains are the indicators of a nation's inability to do any more than shore up the cracks of an ailing road maintenance programme. (May 2007)
Additional parking charges and other penalties
Response to consultation by the Association of London Governments. (2002)
Better parking – keeping traffic moving
Response to consultation from the Department for Transport. (October 2006)
Finding a space for parking policy
Submission to the House of Commons Transport Committee enquiry. (June 2006)
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3 February 2010