Oral Answers to Questions

James Duddridge Excerpts

Monday 25th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)]

4. If he will take steps to reduce excessive parking charges and address aggressive parking enforcement.

[James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)]

7. If he will take steps to reduce excessive parking charges and address aggressive parking enforcement.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Pickles]

I am sorry to hear of the state of affairs in Stevenage. We shall certainly be looking at the rules on charging and the parking review grace periods in which parking offences can be ruled unacceptable. We shall be consulting on how this might be done appropriately and soon be laying orders on the collection of fines from closed circuit television.

[James Duddridge]

Health care professionals such as midwives provide an invaluable service and allow people to stay safe and independent in their own home. As part of the consultation he mentioned, does the Secretary of State agree that we should consider allowing them to park in all residential areas without fear of a parking fine?

[Mr Pickles]

My hon. Friend makes a very reasonable point. Of course, a number of local authorities already consult and have a working arrangement with the local national health service. Clearly, district nurses and doctors want to go about their business without the fear of fines, and I also think it appropriate that ambulances should be able to attend without the fear of parking fines. I think this should be done, and I will certainly include it in the consultation.