Parking fines rise delay until 2018
Communes would have been able to set levels of parking fines, but not until after next presidential election
PLANS to let communes decide the level for parking fines have been put on hold until after the next presidential elections.
While motorists may be pleased that the nationally-set low level of parking fines will continue, cash-strapped communes are likely to be angry at the loss of potential revenue.
The delay is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Manuel Valls at a meeting of public transport chiefs on October 1, but the news has been leaked and reported by Les Echos.
Instead of coming into force on October 1, 2016, communes will have to wait until January 1, 2018 before they can start setting their own level fines.
The subject of parking fines and who sets them is complicated. In order for local authorities to be able to set and regulate parking it needs to be 'decriminalised', as it is currently dealt with by police through nationally-set criminal codes.
The national parking fine of €17 has been a bane of local authorities. In Paris, where parking fees are €4 an hour in the city centre, it is estimated just 10% of motorists pay for tickets, nine out of 10 preferring to gamble on receiving a €17 fine for a day's parking.
Before local authorities can take over, a separate system of tribunals needs to be established for motorists who wish to contest charges, and a new framework of law for them to be able to set different charges across the country.
These changes were due to be introduced during a reorganisation of local government, but are now expected to be delayed.
