IS any council out there honest enough to admit parking charges are purely and simply a way of generating revenue?

Why don’t they stop the pretence, ’fess up to the fact it’s all about the cash and we then could accept it.

If I get fined, clamped or towed for parking illegally I won’t be looking for sympathy. But, don’t take me for a fool and pretend the primary reason for parking charges is to keep traffic flowing, clear a path for fire engines or provide residents with spaces.

If this is really the case, then adopt the parking scheme where tickets are issued freely. You still have to park legally and correctly, and if you don’t bother to display a free ticket then you are fined — surely no-one could complain then?

But making bonus payments to jobsworth parking attendants for the number of tickets they hand out, issuing fines in ridiculous situations, eg. ticket is displayed incorrectly or one wheel is on a white line, only serves to inflame the situation and create bad feeling all round.

There can’t be any excuse for abusing or attacking parking wardens in any situation, but with the current policy of local councils you can see how it happens. There is hardly a day goes by when I don’t walk down the high street and witness a full-blooded argument between a driver and a parking warden.

I have yet to hear the words: “The council needs this money and there’s no way you will get away with it. In fact, I want to thank you for breaking the rules because if no-one did try to abuse the system me and all my colleagues would all be out of a job.”

I look forward to the day when we get some honesty.

Do you think it is reasonable for councils to charge for parking? Have you been the victim of any parking injustices? Add your comments below.