The MP for Ealing Central and Acton has welcomed new parking policies announced by Government and says it will boost local businesses.

The latest measures include: a 10 minute grace period for drivers when parked in a council-owned car park or on-street parking space, banning the industrial use of CCTV ‘spy cars’ which issue automated fines, stopping drivers being fined when parking meters are not working, reinforcing the law that parking cannot be used by councils to generate revenue to fund general council spending, and allowing local residents and businesses to petition their council to review parking policies so they are supporting local businesses and high streets.

Angie Bray said: "The Conservatives in Government are introducing new common sense changes to make it easier for people to visit and park in Ealing and Acton.

"Official figures show Ealing received £4.7m in surplus revenue from parking charges and £8.3m in parking fines in 2013/14.

"Ealing must now get behind the changes that have been announced and ensure their policies are not deterring people from visiting this area. The fact that people and businesses can now challenge these parking policies should encourage the council to do this.

"Conservatives are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business. This work is part of our long-term economic plan that is helping to transform high streets up and down the country so that once again they become vibrant centres of communities which people want to visit and enjoy."