Detail on parking charge bill to be decided

WORK is continuing on a new law allowing councils to cut parking charges at short notice.

The Parking Places (Variation of Charges) Bill, proposed by Bosworth MP David Tredinnick went through with crossparty support during its second reading recently.

Mr Tredinnick said: “I’m quite excited about the bill, it can be rather difficult to change the law by yourself.”

The long-standing Tory MP has put the tentative legislation forward as a Private Members Bill which can easily be derailed.

Mr Tredinnick said: “The biggest hurdle is usually the second reading where it only takes one member to shout ‘object’ and the whole thing goes to the bottom of the pile. However, I was more than pleased to see it go through ‘on the nod’.”

The bill seeks to make it easier for local authorities to reduce on and off-street parking charges without giving 21 days notice as they have to currently.

Councils will also have to consult on any price rises. The move is seen as a positive one for councils as they will be able, like private operators, to offer free parking or discounts to support events or encourage trade.

The bill will be taken to committee in January to work out the detail before being reported back to the Commons, then sent onto the House of Lords.

Mr Tredinnick will need the support of a peer to help see it through the Lords.