Wandsworth Council suspending parking bays makes them 'laughing stock' - GMB Union
Whilst we cannot advise any motorist to park in any of these bays, we would encourage anyone who receives a ticket to appeal the decision immediately, says GMB
GMB, the union for parking wardens, have slammed the decision by the London Borough of Wandsworth to suspend parking bays, saying it may well not be lawful.
The members, who are employed by Wandsworth Council’s contractor NSL, are on strike again today, taking their 15th day of industrial action.
Parking bay suspensions – typically used when a road is due to be closing, when road maintenance is being carried out or when a local business or residence needs use of a skip – require 72 hours’ notice before coming into force, which the union believes is not being adhered to in this case.
The union is advising anyone who receives a ticket parking in one of these suspended bays in Wandsworth this week to appeal, as they may avoid paying a fine using this loophole.
Paul Grafton, GMB Regional Officer said:
“The council are making themselves a laughing stock, showing that they really don’t have a clue what they’re doing.
“These parking bays can’t simply be closed on the whim of the council without the correct amount of notice which is required by law.
“Whilst we cannot advise any motorist to park in any of these bays, we would encourage anyone who receives a ticket to appeal the decision immediately.
“Once again, GMB remains open to talks to end the dispute if the council and their contractor NSL want to stop mucking about and enter into proper, meaningful negotiations rather than these silly, potentially unlawful shenanigans.”
