§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will bring forward proposals for changes in the law to allow all local highways authorities to issue penalty charge notices for parking offences on the lines of the current system in London boroughs.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe necessary legislation is already in place. Section 43 of the Road Traffic Act 1991 enables new arrangements for parking enforcement, similar to those currently being introduced in London under sections 63–79 of the Act, to be extended by order to other areas. Preparations for the introduction of the new arrangements in London are well advanced, but we do not expect any of the London boroughs to be in a position to begin operating them before April next year at the earliest. In accordance with undertakings given during the passage of the Bill, we do not propose to make the new powers available generally until some experience has been gained of their operation in London.