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Motorists' organisation the AA has warned the government that drivers will view new powers for parking attendants as 'open season' on motorists.

According to AA president, Edmund King, drivers stopping for legitimate reasons, such as those dropping off passengers or moving round cars obstructing the road, could be penalised under the new legislation.

Under the changes, introduced as part of the Traffic Management Act, Car Finance customers could receive tickets from parking enforcement officials through the post.

Mr King suggests that disabled Blue Badge holders could be penalised by the scheme and motorists may receive parking fines through the post when they can no longer remember the exact circumstances of the alleged offence.

"Some local authorities have lost sight of the original aims of parking enforcement, which was to keep traffic flowing, warn selfish drivers, punish blatant offenders and keep legitimate use of car parking spaces ticking over," he stated. "Drivers will feel that tickets by post is just an extension of 'open season' on the motorist."

The government insists that the new measures, which also increase powers for councils to co-ordinate street works, will help to reduce disruption to journeys, cut congestion, improve road safety and keep traffic moving.

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