Motorists encouraged not to ignore parking tickets

THIS week we are told that the British Parking Association (BPA) continue to hear confusing and inaccurate advice given to motorists. We have to also say that if you look at YouTube about Parking within the UK, you will quickly see what they are saying. It is easy to criticise from a keyboard and lash out at issues they see as unfair. Also, keyboard warrior's statements who often hide behind a screen trying to put down their view of UK law can lead many of those who follow them to financial harm. What many do not realise is that if a motorist receives a parking charge (PCN), which they perceive as unfair, they must not ignore it, despite the many people who claim they should. Instead, they should appeal to the issuing operator in the 1st instance and then to the free independent appeals service when this is made available to them. It's essential that motorists engage with the appeals process which offers the opportunity to provide further evidence and avoid the escalation of charges. Sadly many of those who fallow the bad advice given, by just ignoring it, can leave drivers with hefty penalties and even, in some cases a criminal charge for parking on private land! The best way to avoid getting a PCN is to pay where you should and not to park where you don't have the right to do so. Motorists should always check the signage in private parking locations and adhere to the terms and conditions.

If you think you have been fined unfairly, we suggest you look at the following pages for advice:-

► CitizensAdvice.Org.UK

► MoneySavingExpert.Com

► Which.Co.UK

Equally, parking issues, as many who live around the Merseyside Coastline have experienced recently by parking issues and find it just as problematic a topic. The RAC Foundation's recent estimate of c.8million parking charges issued this year reflects increased car ownership and millions more parking acts taking place every day, the vast majority without incident. This is because parking is effectively managed fairly and responsibly to make sure we can all access the shops, leisure facilities, Hospitals and supermarkets that might otherwise become congested. There are many reasons why the number of DVLA data requests can rise and this includes multiple requests for the same vehicle because historically there is evidence to show that some motorists acquire multiple tickets. However, 4 out of 5 motorists never get a parking ticket. There have also been various quotes about excessive profiteering made by the parking sector, but a recent report commissioned in February 2021 by a global provider of trusted industry research shows the average profit made by a parking company was down to 2.1% during the Pandemic, but this should rise to 3.9% by 2025/26.

Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive said:- "We welcome the Parking (Code of Practice) Act and measures to introduce a single code, standards setting body and an independent appeals service. However, for this package of measures to be sustainable, there needs to be a sufficient deterrent. Without effective parking management, places would become congested and inaccessible. We are calling on Government to reconsider proposals to drastically lower the level of the deterrent to enable effective parking management and avoid the type of chaos seen at many seaside Towns and beauty spots, when Lockdown eased last summer. When the deterrent is set too low, more people take the risk of not following the advertised terms and conditions. We are delighted that Government has taken on our idea of a robust Appeals Charter which will provide motorists with a known result to any appeal where a simple mistake may have occurred, for example, a keying error when paying. The sector focuses on parking management and not mistake punishment."

So what are your thoughts on this very controversial topic? Please email your comments to our Newsroom, at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

CLA urges public support for rural economy this Christmas

AHEAD of Small Business Saturday, 4 December 2021, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is urging people to support rural businesses in the run up to Christmas by buying locally and celebrating the quality of produce and products available across the North. CLA North represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across:- Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, the North East, County Durham and Yorkshire.

CLA Director North Lucinda Douglas said:- "Buying locally, whether it is seasonal festive food and drink, gifts or decorations, helps to contribute to a vibrant rural economy. There is certainly a wide variety of suppliers stocking top quality local produce from meats and cheeses to fruit and vegetables. Many people will already be regular visitors to farm shops and farmers' markets, recognising the high food and animal welfare standards of British produce. These businesses provide jobs, goods and services for local communities, attract tourism and provide a real boost to our economy. Small Business Saturday provides an important reminder to consumers in supporting small businesses in their communities, not just in the run up to Christmas, but throughout the year."

In its Rural Powerhouse initiative, the CLA estimates that if rural productivity per worker was raised to the national average, an additional ₤43 billion could be added to national income every year. Lucinda added:- "In the meantime we can all play our part; and take some of the stress out of Christmas; by turning to local suppliers for your trees, turkeys and tinsel."

This Christmas will be a challenging period for many, especially for families and individuals in rural areas who can be more prone to loneliness due to their remoteness and the CLA encourages those who are struggling to contact any of the farming and mental health support charities who will listen, understand and help. The Farming Community Network on:- 03000111999. The phone line is open 7am to 11pm, every day, and the Samaritans on:- 116123, that is open 24 hours throughout the holidays. Details of rural support networks can also be found at:- FarmingHelp.Co.UK.

Dunelm in Southport are asking people to donate their pre-loved festive decorations this Christmas

DUNELM in Southport is encouraging local residents to donate their pre-loved festive decorations this Christmas, in a bid to spread joy to care homes across the Region. Shoppers wishing to donate their unused decorations can give them a 2nd life by handing them in to the Dunelm store at Marine Drive. Donated decorations will go on to be delivered to local care homes and community groups across Southport.

Jeff Backs, Store Manager at Dunelm Southport said:- "It's been another challenging year for many and with the support of our customers, Dunelm is committed to helping those within our local communities who are less fortunate this Christmas, through our 'DunElves' decoration donation initiative."

The retailer enlisted the help of Head 'DunElf' Katie Piper to launch the campaign nationally earlier this month.

Katie said:- "I'm working with Dunelm to help the British public think a little differently this year. Dunelm will be giving a new lease of life to surplus or unused Christmas decorations handed in at their stores across the UK by donating them to a local care home. Dunelm's emphasis on community has really resonated with me; they are focused on making a tangible difference to local care homes and community groups, bringing joy to their residents who can sometimes find Christmas difficult or lonely."

Anyone wanting to donate their pre-loved Christmas decorations can drop them into the DunElves donation box in store during the opening hours of:- 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm, on Saturday, and 11am to 5pm, on:- Sunday, from now until:- 10 December 2021. Any excess donations will be shared with Age UK and Shelter, ensuring no decorations go to waste. More information and the campaign launch film featuring Katie Piper can be found on the retailers website:- Dunelm.Com.

News reports located on this page = 2.

Motorists encouraged not to ignore parking tickets

CLA urges public support for rural economy this Christmas