Jan/Feb 2006

A new Code of Practice for loading and unloading vans and lorries in London has been launched - much of it based on wireless technology.

The Code is aimed at creating best practice amongst delivery drivers, parking attendants and traffic authorities. It was produced by the Freight Transport Association, CBI, London Chamber of Commerce, Brewery Logistics Group, Central London Partnership, and London First, with input from Transport for London, local authorities, and other relevant organisations.

So far the Code has been agreed by the London Boroughs of Westminster, Camden, Islington, and the City Corporation. A response from the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is also expected. Other London boroughs will be invited to sign up to the Code before the end of the year.

The use of handheld computers and digital cameras is cited as a major tool to help promote a greater understanding of parking issues and ensure parking attendants carry out their job correctly. Local authorities are urged: "Use technology (such as handheld computers) to limit opportunities for parking attendants to make mistakes when issuing a PCN."

Westminster, which has led the way in trying to improve relations between commercial drivers and the parking industry, has supplied parking attendants (PAs) with handheld devices loaded with software that prevents them from issuing an incorrect PCN (Penalty Charge Notice).

This includes all parking restrictions in the borough by street - or part of a street, since restrictions can vary from one end of a long road to the other - so that when the PA keys in the house number and street name, the device can confirm that the PCN is being issued correctly, or whether, in fact, the vehicle is actually parked correctly for that particular address. Digital cameras are provided, too, so that PAs can photograph offending vehicles. The result has been a reduction of PCNs from 1 million per year to 700,000.

The Borough has also published its complete guidelines to PAs on the Web, so that all delivery companies, or their drivers, can see exactly why and how vehicles may and may not be ticketed. And within the next few months Westminster plans to put a map of its own borough on the Web, showing all parking restrictions.

Currently available in hard copy or electronically, the Code of Practice is split into four sections. The introduction highlights the difficulties any business faces in carrying out its day-to-day activities within the confines of London's road system, and explains what loading/unloading entails. It also describes the purpose of observation periods. Following on from this comes guidance for delivery staff, guidance for parking attendants, and guidance for traffic authorities.

The section aimed at PAs, for example, explains that loading and unloading involve checking that collected goods conform to instructions, or allowing the delivered consignment to be checked in the driver's presence and a signature obtained. Apparently many PAs believe (wrongly) that during the "observation" period, drivers should be seen loading or unloading the vehicle, but the Code emphasises that PAs must not issue a PCN if the driver is legitimately involved in any of the above activities, whether he is in view or not.

Delivery staff are advised to conform to parking regulations by ascertaining delivery restrictions in advance, where possible; checking signposts for parking restrictions; and endeavouring to adhere to restrictions. Load planners should be familiar with local parking conditions and regulations. They should not abuse the observation period for loading/unloading by, for example, going off for a cup of tea.

"Commercial vehicles are the life blood of London's economy," says Louisa Perry, an FTA employee acting as secretary to the stakeholder group. "With limited road space, it can often be very difficult to load and unload. This Code of Practice aims to help reduce the burden of Penalty Charge Notices, and appealing against them, and to improve the situation on the street."

Parking meter that saves you from fines

Possibly the most sophisticated parking meter ever developed is now available from a Canadian company, Photo Violation Technologies Corp.

The meter can accept payment by credit card and smartcard as an alternative to cash - in which case it will simply keep incrementing the payment until you come back for your vehicle, saving you from ever incurring a fine. There's also a "grace period" option for people paying in cash, allowing them to pay a reduced fine at the meter if they outstay their paid-up time.

There's a sensor to detect when you leave (and to stop charging you), and a built-in camera to photograph the number plate if you leave without paying.

Whether British authorities will be drawn to any device that makes it easier, and hence presumably more attractive, for motorists to park in urban areas is another question.

The maker is already working with IBM, Honeywell and Motorola, and seems set for growth.