Tribunal ruling could, open floodgates

Sunday 21st September 2014

A tribunal has awarded 13 motorists in Gloucestershire parking fines and costs back after it was found that councils should not have allowed private companies to handle the penalty charge notice appeal process as well as parking management in the area, due to a conflict of interests. "I find that no reasonable local authority could have concluded this contract met the terms of its regulatory and public law duties,” ruled adjudicator Christopher Nicholls. The decision could open certain council’s up to claims from many who have been incorrectly fined and had appeals rejected by private contractors, resulting in millions of pounds in pay-outs. Separately, the number of drivers being awarded “re-education” rather than penalty points for misgivings has hit 1m for the first time.

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