§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Prime Minister which Department is responsible for paying parking fines on behalf of the Home Office.
§ Mr. HurdI have been asked to reply.
The Home Office policy on the payment of parking fines is based on section 80 of the Road Traffic Regulations 1967 which makes provision for a fixed penalty to be imposed on a person who commits an offence. In the light of this, the payment of such penalties is considered to be the responsibility of the person who was in charge of the vehicle at the time the offence was committed.
It is recognised however, that the offence could have been committed in extenuating circumstances and to protect the interests of the individual in such cases, consideration can be given to the payment of an ex gratia award equal to the amount of the penalty. These payments would be made from Home Office funds. Three such payments have been made in the past 12 months.