'Damning' parking tribunal report still being considered (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

St Albans District Council to release decision on tribunal results

10:55am Tuesday 3rd November 2009 in News By Manisha Mistry

A DAMNING report which uncovered a flaw in St Albans District Council's parking enforcement is still being considered.

The Review revealed last week how a tribunal into one man's appeal over a £50 fine brought to light an admin error.

The consequences of the mistake in the Traffic Regulation Order are that penalties issued by the district council in all of its 16 off-street car parks since 2008 are invalid.

Neil Herron, founder of a national campaign group Parking Appeals, revealed the news to the Review.

He spoke about a letter he had sent to Daniel Goodwin, chief executive at the council, explaining the results of the tribunal.

Mr Herron said all enforcements should be stopped immediately because continuing to charge drivers would be unlawful.

The campaigner said this week: “If the council are considering it then they should have considered what actions to take by now – it shouldn't be taking seven days.

“They are now charging motorists with full knowledge of the error in their Traffic Regulation Order.

“They can argue that the decision from the tribunal was only on one parking ticket and it does not set a precedent, but the reality is the decision was so damning it uncovered unlawful errors in the enforcement of off-street parking.”

Councillor Roma Mills, Labour party leader at the district council, said she understands Mr Herron's point of view that the enforcement should be suspended due to the mistakes.

However Councillor Mills said she would also sympathise with the difficulties faced by the council if it decides not to take that option and offer a “free for all” parking system until the errors are rectified.

The Review has contacted the district council for an update on the issue and a full statement is due to be released later today.