London Councils shortlisted for prestigious parking award 

London Councils has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for the introduction of the country's first city-wide two-tier parking system.

The pioneering scheme, introduced last July, means motorists causing the most disruption, frustration and danger to other road users through their illegal parking receive higher penalties than those committing other contraventions. The government is now seeking to roll this approach out across the country from 31 March.

The London Councils initiative is one of five schemes that have been shortlisted for the Most Innovative Transport Project - Road Infrastructure award at the London Transport Awards 2008.

The two-tier system was introduced in London following extensive consultation with the public, motoring groups and other organisations. More than 80 per cent of those who responded said people committing the most serious acts of illegal parking should be penalised more heavily than others.

Under the scheme motorists committing a serious contravention in central London receive a £120 penalty, while those committing a less serious contravention receive an £80 penalty. In outer London the penalties are £100 and £60. All penalties are reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.

The scheme also means that motorists committing some parking contraventions are actually receiving a £20 lower penalty then they would have done under the old flat rate penalty system.