If you read the national press or listen to the national news you would’ve heard that Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, has announced that he believes shoppers on Britain’s high streets should be able to park on double yellow lines for up to 15 minutes without receiving a penalty notice.
Mr Pickles believes this move would help to boost the economy of the High Street and provide a welcome perk for shoppers, who may be more inclined to head to out of town shopping areas and avoid risk of parking charges or fines.
He has his work cut out for him to convince coalition partners – the Liberal Democrats – who it’s reported are not as keen on the idea.
Opposition from LibDems
LibDem Transport minister Norman Baker told The Independent,
“We are keen to ensure that the high street works for businesses by stopping people parking illegally for hours on end. I have been in discussions with other colleagues from government about how we can best take decisions on this forward.
“This is about tackling motorists who are parking illegally, not about raising charges for those who park legally.”
Review the lines instead
The president of AA, Edmund King told The Independent that a thorough review of the lines would be more effective, adding,
“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.”
Do you agree?
So what do you think?
Should shoppers to Isle of Wight towns and villages, if parked safely, be able to stop on a double yellow line for 10-15 minutes?
