Published: 05 February 2013
London PCNs – FTA advice
With the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued in London going up by 50 per cent, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is calling on its members to train their drivers in identifying PCN hotspots.
Despite many PCNs being successfully contested, which itself costs time and money, many are not which is also costing the industry millions of pounds in PCNs each year.
The PCN Survey 2012, commissioned by FTA, revealed that the 27 companies surveyed had paid £2.9 million in fines and a rise in costs which was directly related to the increase in the number of PCNs issued on the capital’s roads.
The survey also provided valuable information for operators and drivers in respect of areas in which to be vigilant for parking restrictions.
Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London said: “Commercial vehicle operators have grown smarter when dealing with the problems of making deliveries in the unfriendly roadside environment of central London, but the findings of the survey suggest that there is a need for them to improve their understanding of how certain parking restrictions apply. As well as training drivers and identifying PCN hotspots, a well-targeted and intelligent approach to appealing unfair PCNs could save some companies hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.
“It is equally important for local authorities to ensure that there is sufficient kerbside space and facilities for deliveries, and for Civil Enforcement Officers to understand why trucks and vans may be in a restricted parking area in the first place, and to apply some common sense when issuing tickets.”
FTA has a range of compliance and support materials to help members manage their PCNs including a Compliance Guide, Driver Card and a Delivery Assessment Guide, which was written with the co-operation of a Westminster Council official and provides valuable help and advice for commercial vehicle operators.
SOURCE: hgvuk.com