§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from motoring organisations regarding the illegal use by local authorities of off-street parking charges; and what action he has taken to deal with such abuse.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 16 December 1980]: The answer should read:
The Automobile Association has written to my Department about aspects of a number of orders imposing charges in off-street car parks which it considers to be of doubtful legality. My Department has written to the Association of District Councils, and to certain local authorities, suggesting that charges under section 31 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 should relate only to the purchase of parking time, and should not be used to impose penalties, for example for failure to make an initial payment.
I shall write to the hon. and learned Member with further details, but he will appreciate that the legality of orders made under the Act is ultimately for the courts to determine.