26 JULY 2003, Page 31

Policing the parking

From Brian Connell Sir: James Fletcher's letter (19 July) incorrectly alleges that Westminster 'persecutes motorists 24 hours a day' without parking controls. It is important to make clear that without these controls chaos would ensue on central London's streets. Our late-night enforcement. which focuses primarily on central areas dominated by late-night entertainment premises, is necessary to disrupt the trade of dangerous illegal minicabs and protect parking space for residents. The West End certainly does have traffic congestion at 4 a.m., and our parking controls reflect that.

Contrary to Mr Fletcher's assertions, issuing incorrect tickets is in the interests of no one. Not only is it annoying for the inconvenienced motorist, but the independent appeals process is also costly for councils. Every penny we make from our on-street service is reinvested into transport improvements in Westminster, and so correctly issued tickets benefit the vast majority of motorists who follow the rules.

Andrew Gimson's original article (5 July) highlighted the abuse of traffic wardens in another central London authority. His experience is mirrored in Westminster, where our attendants are subjected to more than one assault, either physical or verbal, each day. All we ask is that people park correctly in Westminster and treat our attendants with courtesy.

Cllr Brian Connell

Deputy cabinet member for economic development and transport. City of Westminster, London SW1