In a world where technology often simplifies daily tasks, a simple typing error can still lead to unexpected complications. This is evident in a recent case involving parking enforcement in Ealing, where a driver faced penalties due to a typing mistake. The driver, who used the PayByPhone app to pay for parking, returned well before the expiry time but found a parking ticket on their vehicle. The issue stemmed from an error in entering the car registration number, confusing an 'O' with a '0'.
Ticket machine keypads and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are relatively new additions to modern life, having not existed for much of the last century. However, the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community banned ticketing for such minor typing errors years ago. Despite these advancements, council parking enforcement remains governed by the Traffic Management Act, which does not prevent penalties for these mistakes.
The Department for Transport (DfT) advises that parking regulations should be enforced "fairly and proportionately." Authorities are expected to exercise discretion "sensibly and reasonably." This guidance aligns with the fact that the font used on number plates has been consistent since 1935 without causing significant issues. However, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not amend number plates to distinguish between Os and 0s, a factor that contributed to the driver's predicament.
Ealing council maintains its stance on the issue, citing that the driver's situation was a result of "driver error."
"Cancelling a PCN for driver error is inappropriate as fair consideration must be given to motorists who comply with all the parking regulations." – Ealing council
The driver, however, argues that cancelling the parking ticket would be an appropriate measure given the circumstances. They suggest that Ealing's significant £37.7 million funding gap might influence the council's strict enforcement of parking regulations. This raises questions about the council's adherence to the DfT's guidelines which state that authorities can exercise discretion "even when an undoubted contravention has occurred."
"It can do this even when an undoubted contravention has occurred, if the authority deems it to be appropriate in the circumstances of the case," – Department for Transport (DfT)
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between technological advancements in parking enforcement and the human errors that can occur when using these systems. While private parking companies have moved away from penalizing drivers for minor typing errors, it appears that some council enforcements have not yet fully embraced this approach.