In March the Government announced a 10 minute ‘grace’ period which ministers said would prevent drivers from being fined “for being just a few minutes late back to the vehicle – be it in a paid or free parking space.”
Berry, who represents the Highgate ward on Camden council, claims drivers working for minicab firms such as Uber are “taking advantage” of the new rules by loitering near the station so that they can more easily pick up passengers.
She’s called on the council to take advantage of laws designed to deal with the risk of terrorism to introduce a new local traffic order limiting waiting time to just 2 minutes.
Failing this, she’s called for the introduction of “steep parking charges” to deter minicab drivers from staying longer than 2 minutes.
Berry said: “Black cab drivers have supplied me with a wealth of evidence, and I have visited the site many times to see for myself how many bays are occupied by minicab drivers simply waiting there and looking at their phones.
“Something must be done and, looking at the legislation, I believe the reason sections of the Road Traffic Regulation Act covering terrorism aren’t named in the grace period regulations is that security risks override any need for parking flexibility.
“This is clearly applicable at this site and I’ve asked the council to look into making a new order on this basis.”
