15 minutes grace on double yellow lines?

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, has been reported to have plans to introduce a 15 minute period of grace for motorists parking on double yellow lines. Those parked within that time limit on the lines would not face fines if the proposal was implemented.

Eric Pickles’ idea has already faced some opposition. A spokesman for CPT said, ‘Providing punctual and reliable bus services is the number one aim of all bus operators and goes a long way to positioning the bus as a viable and attractive alternative to the car. Although we have yet to hear the finer details of Eric Pickles’ proposal, any changes to parking policies which could potentially have a negative impact on bus services would be one the industry would want to avoid.’

AA President, Edmund King, said, ‘Rather than just allow drivers to park on double yellow lines, a thorough review of the lines would be more effective. Many double lines are there for historical reasons and could be lifted. There is plenty of opportunity to ease back on the signs and lines in many places, giving drivers short term waiting bays instead, so they can stop briefly to buy a paper or loaf of bread. Local authorities should be encouraged to do what the government does with regulations – “one in one out” – so that yellow lines do not run out of control. Lifting restrictions on yellow lines should not be an excuse for hiking parking penalties outside London.’