Drivers could park on double yellow lines for 15 minutes

Plans that would allow drivers to park on double yellow lines for 15 minutes were today called into question.

The proposals are aimed at boosting trade in failing shopping areas, but could mean dangerous parking being punished by stiffer penalties.

Edmund King, president of the AA motoring association, said lifting the restrictions should not be an “excuse for hiking parking penalties”. He called for a “thorough review”, saying “many double lines are there for historical reasons and could be lifted”.

He added: “There is plenty of opportunity to ease back on the signs and lines in many places, giving drivers short-term waiting bays instead, so they can stop briefly to buy a paper or loaf of bread. Local authorities should be encouraged to do what the Government does with regulations — ‘one in one out’ — so yellow lines do not run out of control.”

Mr King’s criticisms came in response to comments in the Daily Telegraph by a source close to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles. They suggested a “grace period” could be introduced within months to allow motorists to pop into shops without a penalty.

As part of coalition horse-trading to win support for the move, higher fines could be introduced outside London for dangerous parking.

It is understood the Lib-Dems believe Mr Pickles’s plans could prove “unworkable”, but want to raise the £70 cap on fines for all illegal parking outside the capital. Lib-Dem transport minister Norman Baker said: “We are keen to ensure the high street works for businesses by stopping people parking illegally for hours on end.”