HC Deb 26 July 1972 vol 841 cc1809-10
21. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to increase the percentage of the parking fine imposed by traffic wardens which is at present retained by local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

Parking fines and fixed penalties are in general paid into the Exchequer. I understand that in Scotland only there is a negotiated agreement whereby local authorities retain a part of fixed penalties.

Mr. Ewing

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland under the negotiated agreement local authorities retain only 2½p in each £ of the parking fine and that, as in England and Wales, local authorities, which are responsible for maintaining traffic wardens and all the other ancillary matters, are finding it very difficult to provide these services on the very limited resources available?

Mr. Peyton

I have no doubt that those responsible will note what the hon. Gentleman said. I believe that the share which local authorities in Scotland are permitted to retain under this arrangement is fixed by the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer—a gentleman over whom I have little control.

Mr. James Johnson

Will the Minister be completely candid and say whether he shares my opinion that far too few wardens are engaged on the important task of curbing illegal parking by the monster of the cities—the motor car? I asked the right hon. Gentleman a Question on this matter some months ago and his figures showed that in the place where I live, Merton, and the place where I work, Hull, and many other cities there were far too few wardens and that, in fact, the number officially allowed were not employed? Will he look into this matter with local authorities?

Mr. Peyton

I will always endeavour to give the hon. Gentleman straight answers. I am very conscious of this difficult problem. The difficulty of enforcement of the parking meter system is increasing. I have recently been considering the matter very carefully and I hope that we shall be able to make some suggestions in the near future.