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Camden News - by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 13 November 2008

Jonathan Simpson

‘Butt out of parking’ councillors warned

PARKING chiefs have told councillors to butt out of disputes over parking tickets – or risk legal action.
Every councillor was emailed by the Town Hall’s environment supremo Rachel Stopard and borough solicitor Andrew Maughan this week with a warning that they should not try to help their upset constituents fight parking penalties.
The stern message said: “When Members are approached by constituents, you may find it helpful – when appropriate – to point them to the [Camden Council] website for guidance and make it clear that supporting evidence will be important. In this way you will be seen to be clearly recognising where the decision-making in this particular matter lies whilst helping constituents to best make their case to the council.”
Some members have warned the crackdown will lead to more “fleecing” of motorists who might be unfairly tangled in Camden’s parking penalty system. Hundreds of thousands of tickets are overturned on an appeal.
Labour councillor Jonathan Simpson said: “This is shocking. Previously councillors were able to send a note through to officers when they’d get a call from a resident and they’d quickly realise that an over-zealous attendant had given a ticket out inappropriately. They now seem to be suggesting that we can’t represent the people who elect us.”
The warning from the Town Hall follows a turbulent few months for the parking department, which has seen two managers suspended, anger over a dramatic 267 per cent hike in the cost of builders parking permits and an internal inquiry into why income from tickets is down. The council has defended an order to find “quick wins” within the department.

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