TNT hopes double summit will resolve parking dispute
Leading business-to-business express delivery giant, TNT, is optimistic that a double summit with two London borough councils will spell an end to the long-running parking fines dispute in the capital.
Faced with annual parking fines of up to £300,000 in London, TNT Express Services has been leading a six-month campaign calling on local authorities to review their 'no parking' policies and to stop imposing 'draconian' fines on delivery companies.
Nigel Barton, Director of Operations for TNT Express Services, is hoping that key negotiations scheduled for next week with both Westminster and Camden Councils, will bring a speedy resolution.
TNT representatives are due to meet Council officials next Thursday (15th July) for face-to-face discussions, before TNT joins up with other members of the UK Express Network Forum for more talks with Westminster and Camden the following day (16th July).
The mini-summits have been on hold since prior to the London Mayoral Election on June 10th. Despite previous undertakings by Westminster Council to review the number of parking fines being meted out, TNT has seen no downturn in the scale of fines.
Nigel Barton has said that the problems caused by kerbside camera and traffics wardens on productivity bonus schemes had effectively made collections and deliveries 'unlawful' in parts of London.
He added: "We remain hopeful that commonsense will prevail and we can agree a way forward that is acceptable to all parties. During the run up to the London Mayoral Election I had the opportunity to raise the issue with Ken Livingstone. He sympathised with our situation and agreed that the existing arrangements were not sustainable."
With actions speaking louder than words and delivery companies continuing to be hit by high levels of parking tickets, TNT has led an industry-wide revolt under which every single parking fine is disputed. The company is also supporting court action by one of its sub-contractors who is fighting fines imposed in the course of his work for TNT.
TNT, along with the other members of the UK Express Network Forum, issued a 10-point plan of action to Westminster Council Chief Executive Officer, Peter Rogers. It maps out what the express delivery industry is seeking;
1. Agreed delivery time windows am/pm with permit to park as being most favorable for both traders and suppliers.
2. Scrap the London Lorry Ban, review current parking restrictions in the area and introduce an Exemption Permit Scheme.
3. The ability to deliver close to or adjacent to the receiver's premises. This is important from a Health and Safety (possible issue for pedestrians etc) and a security (theft and risk to delivery drivers) viewpoint.
4. A 'reasonable' period of time to complete a delivery. Whilst 20 minutes is the accepted norm there may be other (e.g. palletised) deliveries which will take longer.
5. The immediate cessation of multiple ticketing and specific vehicles targeting by wardens.
6. To curb the over zealous attendants and ensure correct codes are issued.
7. To increase the amount of training given to attendants and include in their training an understanding that deliveries do have to be made.
8. A review of the appeals procedure and establish a nominated individual at each council to handle individual carriers.
9. The amendment of the pay structure for attendants and abolish bonuses for the number of fines raised.
10. The establishing of a liaison group representing all sides, the Boroughs carriers and local traders that meets occasionally to review progress.
TNT has also welcomed a move by the Freight Transport Association in respect of a delivery disc being displayed by vehicles which have permission to collect and deliver in agreed zones.
Nigel Barton said: "The ability to make deliveries to our customers in London without facing punitive financial penalties is paramount to TNT so we would be interested in any constructive solution to the current problem.
"I would welcome the idea of a London Delivery Disc if it would exempt us from parking fines. Clearly, as the FTA are proposing, it makes sense to replace at least one existing charge – in this case congestion charging -with the London Delivery Disc so that operators are not being asked to pay three or four times for the right to go about their legitimate daily business in the Capital.
"I would be interested to see how this idea progresses and how it can be implemented."
