0:00:02 > 0:00:04In the UK, someone gets a parking ticket every three seconds.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06You can appeal against it.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07I will appeal, don't worry.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09I think it's disgusting.
0:00:09 > 0:00:10HORN HONKS
0:00:10 > 0:00:12With more cars than ever on our roads,
0:00:12 > 0:00:15the battle over parking has reached boiling point.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Is there any questions you want to ask me now?
0:00:17 > 0:00:19How do you sleep at night?
0:00:19 > 0:00:22You people, you rob the general public. You're absolute vermin.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25Just take your heart out and just leave it at home.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29With space at a premium, councils need parking controls.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31We've got a board that says,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34"Car Park Full," and they drive round it.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Engine's off. Door's open.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40She's got a baby and can't even park outside her own bloody house.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43I'm going to allow the appeal. You don't have to pay.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Oh, I feel great.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48But, for many, parking enforcement is a direct attack on motorists.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's just about the money.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53In my opinion, they are bloodsuckers.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56You've got no compassion doing the job that you're doing.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58And staff are in the firing line...
0:00:58 > 0:01:00"Come back round here and we'll shoot you,"
0:01:00 > 0:01:02is the most common thing you'll hear up here.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05If you are civilised, you will not tell somebody that, "I hate you."
0:01:05 > 0:01:08..as they deal with parking madness.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11You might as well just stand here and nick it off of people.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13When I say I hate them, I mean I hate them.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Civil Enforcement Officers have been issuing fines to law-breaking
0:01:30 > 0:01:32motorists for the past 50 years.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38When they first took to the streets, there were just 40 of them.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Now there are nearly 4,000.
0:01:42 > 0:01:43You can appeal against it.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44I will appeal, don't worry.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Yes, you can appeal and say...
0:01:46 > 0:01:47Don't worry, don't worry.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49..and say your reason...
0:01:49 > 0:01:51A disabled person, and you booked him.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Tenbe is a Civil Enforcement Officer for Sandwell Council
0:01:55 > 0:01:56in the West Midlands.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01I am delivering. I am delivering chocolate.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03You're delivering chocolate?
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The reason why I give you a ticket... I issued a ticket
0:02:08 > 0:02:10because I stood there for almost five to six minutes.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- I was just getting the order, that's all.- Right.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15She had to tell me what she wanted.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22Last year, 6.8 million fines, known as Penalty Charge Notices,
0:02:22 > 0:02:23were issued.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28You know, they've got me. So I feel horrible.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32And, you know, they've just got nothing better to do sometimes.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36"We'll just book you for booking sake," I'm afraid.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38You've got no way out, have you?
0:02:38 > 0:02:41You've just got to try and keep out of their way, basically.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46But they are a bane of my life. Definitely.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49They get really frustrated
0:02:49 > 0:02:52and then they think the only option is to take the ticket
0:02:52 > 0:02:57and stick it back to you, maybe either on your hand or your chest.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00People calling you names and telling you go back to your country
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and all that.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05It doesn't upset me as long as I do my job properly.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15The majority of parking tickets are paid on time,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18but when motorists try to evade them,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20they face even tougher enforcement.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Mum of three, Debbie, has been a bailiff for eight years
0:03:25 > 0:03:30specialising in the recovery of unpaid parking fines.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33So we've got our own ANPR system which can automatically pick
0:03:33 > 0:03:37up number plates, so it makes it easier for us on the road than
0:03:37 > 0:03:41if they're not at their home address, that we could pick them up.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44We've got four cameras, two at the front and two at the back.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49It has this funny man, because it's a male thing,
0:03:49 > 0:03:50and it goes, "Attention!"
0:03:53 > 0:03:57The police are targeting vehicles with no tax or insurance.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Working alongside them,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Debbie's looking for vehicles with unpaid parking tickets.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03Morning.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07To help her catch them, the bailiff's van is
0:04:07 > 0:04:10parked around the corner watching every car that passes.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14We've just been picking up cars on the ANPR and it'll flag
0:04:14 > 0:04:17if a car is wanted for nonpayment of parking fines.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19That's obviously quicker than looking on a list
0:04:19 > 0:04:23and we can literally find all the information on a computer
0:04:23 > 0:04:25and let our colleague know.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27OK, Ben, we're just pulling it in now.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Her partner, Ben, alerts Debbie to a vehicle of interest
0:04:30 > 0:04:32and the police stop the driver.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Hi, sir. My name's Debbie, I work for a company called Whyte & Co,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38we're certificated bailiffs.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41There is an outstanding parking fine on this vehicle.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45At the moment, there's an outstanding debt of £517.84 that needs to
0:04:45 > 0:04:47be paid immediately.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- On this car? - Yeah.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- On this very vehicle. - On this vehicle, yeah.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- I can't pay. I can't pay ticket. - Then we're going to take the car.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57You can't take the car, it's not possible,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00because I am 100% sure I have paid the ticket.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Well, sir, the council have sent it over to us,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04so as far as we're concerned, it's not been paid.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06You either pay it or we're going to take the car.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08The choice is yours.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11The council's original fine was £130.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14But hundreds of pounds have been added by the bailiffs
0:05:14 > 0:05:15for their services.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21Every letter they send or house visit they make increases the fine.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24It's quadrupled the amount this driver now has to pay.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- The ticket you showed to me has been paid.- Yeah.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28What you present to me...
0:05:28 > 0:05:30What you present to me is the wrong paper.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Why do you lie? Why do you lie? Why do you lie?
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Sir, I'm not lying. - You are lying.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Watch your mouth. - No, no, no. No, no, don't tell me.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Don't point your finger at me.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- You don't point finger at me. - Do not shout.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42- You told me...- Do not shout.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I need to shout because...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Bailiff companies are issued warrants of execution,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50allowing them to legally remove goods to the value of the debt.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- You are a liar, because you told me. - You are the problem.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55I owe you a ticket on this car... I never owe you a ticket.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59And that's the information I was given. Listen to what you're being told.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Why do you present the wrong information to me?
0:06:01 > 0:06:03That's the information I was told, sir.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05You want to make money for your council.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I don't even know nothing about.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08Sir! We're not bullies, we're not thugs.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14Yes, we can be a bit hard and harsh about people's situations
0:06:14 > 0:06:17and they've got to make their payment, but if they choose not
0:06:17 > 0:06:20to pay their parking fines, that's no-one else's fault but their own.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26The ticket they are telling me today I need to pay is an old ticket
0:06:26 > 0:06:30that has been sorted out and I'm not ready to release this car today.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33So I don't know what is going to happen today.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35I'm telling you, I'm ready for them.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Motorists can challenge their parking fines at a tribunal.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51My name's David Binns, I'm the adjudicator.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52You've asked for a hearing,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56so this is your opportunity now to provide further information.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59The Traffic Penalty Tribunal, or TPT,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02is made up of 32 independent adjudicators.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Right, now, which side did you reverse in from?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07They travel the country hearing parking appeals.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Mr Coverdale, sir.- Take a seat.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- Good morning. - Morning.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14It was not clear to me
0:07:14 > 0:07:18that actually, this street, the parking rules did even apply.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19- That's where my car was parked. - Yes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21That's the lamp post next to my car.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Paying the fine wasn't the problem. - No, I can see that.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26It's just the principle of the thing, you know?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Actually, it's designated as a walkway,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31they just neglected to tell anybody.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32Apart from that...
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- Apart from the three foot high yellow man painted on the ground.- Right.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Christian Daniels is waiting for his hearing.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45What I'm particularly perturbed about is the fact that
0:07:45 > 0:07:50I genuinely parked my car, I genuinely paid £2.70 for an hour's
0:07:50 > 0:07:55parking, I arrived back there, 59, 60 minutes, to find a vulture
0:07:55 > 0:07:58putting a ticket on my windscreen, and I don't think that's right.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Christian runs a water-cooler company in the Northwest
0:08:02 > 0:08:06and received a ticket whilst parked in Manchester city centre.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09When you pay for a parking ticket for an hour, you expect
0:08:09 > 0:08:13exactly an hour, not 59 minutes or, you know, a minute and ten,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15you expect exactly an hour.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17It's the council, really, that are to blame.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21When I sent the appeal in, I asked for a copy of the traffic
0:08:21 > 0:08:24warden's notes so I could see, you know, her version of what had
0:08:24 > 0:08:29been said and Manchester Council, the nerve, sent me a letter
0:08:29 > 0:08:34back saying that I'd need to submit a Freedom of Information request.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38A Freedom of Information request for a copy of the traffic
0:08:38 > 0:08:40warden's notes.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Unbelievable.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43We're not sending rockets to the moon, it's a
0:08:43 > 0:08:46parking ticket for 25 quid.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51I just think they're purposely being awkward so the motorist will think,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54"Oh, I've had enough of this, just pay the £25."
0:08:54 > 0:08:57So we've got until quarter to.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59The council rejected Christian's appeal,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02but he's refusing to give up the fight.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05'But it's not just about me, is it? There must be 20 million
0:09:05 > 0:09:09'motorists all parking and, you know, if certain people don't stick
0:09:09 > 0:09:13'up for what they believe in, the whole country will be in a mess.'
0:09:13 > 0:09:17For me, it's about the principle of the fact that you've gave me
0:09:17 > 0:09:21a ticket, I shouldn't have it because I've paid,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24so we'll have to go all the way then, won't we?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Campaigners across the country are taking a stand against what
0:09:37 > 0:09:39they believe are unjust parking charges.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46In East London, one group of crusaders have been challenging
0:09:46 > 0:09:50council parking enforcements for the past three years.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53My NoTo Mob name is Kill Switch.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55And mine is Java Bike.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- I'm Coco. - I'm the Bald Eagle.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Today, the NoTo Mob are targeting a CCTV enforcement
0:10:02 > 0:10:04vehicle in Walthamstow.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07The camera car is on the lookout for motorists tempted to turn
0:10:07 > 0:10:09right at this junction.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12No, no, no, no.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17A traffic jam like this and then people think, "Oh,
0:10:17 > 0:10:18"I can just nip across."
0:10:18 > 0:10:20And then of course matey over there, he loves that.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23So please go that way, yeah, good man. There we go.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30For any cars caught on camera, there's a fine.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Don't turn right,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36because there's a camera car back there, he'll give you a ticket.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Someone's finally standing up and saying you can no longer use
0:10:40 > 0:10:44the motorists as cash cows. And that's what they're doing.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It's just about the money.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Well, he would give you a ticket for a £130 in the post if
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- you turned right.- Why don't he stand here and do what we do?
0:10:53 > 0:10:57He could stand here and prevent these things happening.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Waltham Forest Council deny that raising revenue is a motivation.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06They say the CCTV cars ensure motorists
0:11:06 > 0:11:08abide by the rules of the road.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14We gave intelligence, we find out where their pound is,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16where they send them out from.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17We go there, then we follow them.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26The Mob are made up of retired professionals, IT consultants
0:11:26 > 0:11:28and even an ex-diplomat.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I mean, we're actually saving people from getting
0:11:31 > 0:11:34unlawful tickets, we believe, and doing a public service.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36HORN HONKS
0:11:36 > 0:11:39We're just going to ruin their revenue streak.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40They're tossers.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42HORN HONKS
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Even the bus drivers love us.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49At the roadside operation, bailiff Debbie
0:11:49 > 0:11:53is trying to collect an outstanding parking fine.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56But the driver is claiming he's already paid.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Ben, have we got any other information
0:11:58 > 0:12:01or are we waiting for the office to load it?
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Further checks reveal the original fine has been paid.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Is it on the system yet?
0:12:07 > 0:12:11But Debbie uncovers two further unpaid parking tickets that
0:12:11 > 0:12:14also carry heavy bailiff charges.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17So, unless you're going to pay by
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Chip and Pin payment now of £933.68, we're going to take your car.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23You're going to do what?
0:12:23 > 0:12:24We're going to take the car.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26You're going to sell the car?
0:12:26 > 0:12:28No, we'll take it and then we'll sell it after five days.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33You're going to sell the car?
0:12:33 > 0:12:37To avoid losing his car, the owner pays up.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43Up to this minute, I've spent almost 9 to £10,000 paying fine tickets.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45If you park less than seconds,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48before you turn your eye, you see a ticket.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52You make some ticketing officer's day. They do it deliberately.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56They dodge somewhere and once they see you, you just turn back,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58they quickly come and place the ticket on your car.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01They are making life miserable for people anyway.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04And when I say I hate them, I mean I hate them.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05Cross heart, I hate them.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I'm a happy bunny now that I've actually got the payment
0:13:09 > 0:13:15and a result and see if we can meet some more happy customers.
0:13:15 > 0:13:16SHE CHUCKLES
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Away from big cities, councils in small towns and villages tend
0:13:26 > 0:13:30to take a more laid-back approach to enforcing parking regulations.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Lyme Regis in Dorset is totally dependent on the summer
0:13:37 > 0:13:38tourist trade.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Most tourists arrive by car
0:13:43 > 0:13:46and the council is anxious not to put the visitors off.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51He's paid the wrong tariff.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55He's paid the all-day tariff for a car, £1.70,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57but for motor homes...
0:13:58 > 0:14:02And it is, it's meant to be £1 an hour.
0:14:02 > 0:14:08I won't ticket him just yet. I'll put a warning on him so that if
0:14:08 > 0:14:12he comes back in the meantime, he'll see it and hopefully he'll move it.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I think up in London they don't give you a chance, you know?
0:14:18 > 0:14:21If you stop on a yellow line and pop in to a shop, you come out,
0:14:21 > 0:14:22you've got a parking ticket.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26I think it's a bit different down here.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29I think we're more laid-back.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32We're not vigilantes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37The relaxed attitude and beautiful scenery draw in the crowds.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42But Lyme's big problem is there's just not enough space.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46There's nowhere, is there?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48No, there is absolutely nowhere.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52You can't park here, no, you're in a hatched area.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53What?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Well, I can see it plain enough.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01You can't stand there and reserve a parking bay.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03He gets the space. He's here, you're not.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I will go find you another space.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- We just really need this space. - You won't find one.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- No.- There isn't one.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12There really is, there's a couple down there.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14No, there isn't, we've just been up there.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16He's there, you're not.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19The only reason we're doing it is we have a lame dog in the car.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21You're already parked.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22You've already had a space.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24We have been in here ten minutes.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Guys, we just really need it because of the dog.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30I hate things like that. You get dragged in to arguments.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33They're fighting over parking spaces.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38We've got a board that says, "Car Park Full."
0:15:38 > 0:15:40You put it out in the road and they drive round it.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51They even look at it when they're going in.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56There's not enough parking in Lyme Regis.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07When parking tickets are given,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10many motorists feel they have been unfairly targeted.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14In Manchester, Christian Daniels is appealing his ticket
0:16:14 > 0:16:17at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I've come here to put my case across and, you know, if the case
0:16:20 > 0:16:23has been that I need to pay the ticket, then I'll pay the ticket.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Hopefully, I'll win
0:16:25 > 0:16:28because of the fact that I've done some research and whatnot and
0:16:28 > 0:16:31looked into a few cases, so I'll have to go in and see what happens.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Mr Daniels.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Today, his case is being heard by independent adjudicator David Binns.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Perhaps you could just tell me first of all about the...
0:16:41 > 0:16:44what exactly you were doing having left the vehicle.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48The thing is, I run a small company that installs and maintains
0:16:48 > 0:16:52and delivers water-cooler and cups and accessories and whatnot.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Manchester City Council have decided not to send a representative.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- So I didn't know that I was going to make a delivery...- Right.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02..at the time, so I knew that I'd need 20, 25 minutes,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05maybe 40 minutes chatting to the customer about
0:17:05 > 0:17:07whether they'd want to become a customer or not.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Well, having signed up the customer, what happens then?
0:17:10 > 0:17:11Do you then make a delivery?
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Yes, what happened then is I checked and I thought, "Oh, I've only
0:17:15 > 0:17:17"been here 40 minutes, so we might as well then make the delivery."
0:17:17 > 0:17:21When I actually put the ticket in the car, I set my phone alarm
0:17:21 > 0:17:25for 55 minutes to make sure that we were still within the time.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28The phone alarm's bleeping away when I've got the delivery note signed.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Right.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32So I said, "Right, we need to get back downstairs now."
0:17:32 > 0:17:34And how far is it back to the car?
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Oh, two minutes. Not even two minutes.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Then I said to the traffic warden, "Hey, what's going on?"
0:17:39 > 0:17:41And she said "You've got a ticket."
0:17:41 > 0:17:44And I said, "It's not expired" There's literally...
0:17:44 > 0:17:46I mean, it was very fine, to be fair, it was close,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and I said it hasn't expired.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49And I showed her the watch.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Did you see her take the photograph?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Yes, I was stood there.
0:17:53 > 0:17:571517. Obviously the ticket expired at 1512.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03And the PCN was printed at 1516.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07There is an exemption from these restrictions for loading
0:18:07 > 0:18:09and unloading.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Having obtained the order from the customer, you were then
0:18:13 > 0:18:15permitted to leave the vehicle beyond the expiry
0:18:15 > 0:18:18time of the ticket in order to make the delivery.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22And that was what you were doing when the PCN was issued.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24For that reason, I'm going to allow your appeal
0:18:24 > 0:18:27on the grounds that the contravention did not occur.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28OK. Thank you.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31So that is the end of the hearing and I will wish you good day.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34Don't get me wrong, I'm very,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37very happy with the fact that they've cancelled the ticket,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40but I don't really feel like justice has been done because I parked
0:18:40 > 0:18:44the car, I paid for the ticket and it was still in force.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47But what the tribunal have decided is the ticket wasn't in force,
0:18:47 > 0:18:48but you were loading.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51Well, that saved us 50 quid.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Shall we go and get a pint?
0:18:53 > 0:18:54We can get a pint and lunch.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58I do enjoy the parking appeals.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02This is a part-time role so I do other things as well,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05but there's never a dull moment with parking.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12With the cost of parking rising in many parts of the country,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15motorists are going to extreme lengths to park for free...
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Just double check for me.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21..by committing Blue Badge fraud.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27It's a lady's badge, been issued to a lady.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32You're quite clearly not a lady. Expiry date, 26th January 2014.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35The person's passed away?
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Steve is a Blue Badge investigator for Lambeth Council.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Tell your partner that the badge belongs to her grandmother
0:19:43 > 0:19:45and you shouldn't be using it.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50In South London, half of all the Blue Badges on display are stolen,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52forged or being misused.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57The investigation begins with a hunch more than anything,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01because there are so many cars with Blue Badges. If I stopped
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and tried to deal with every single one, I'd be here for weeks.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Steve's spotted something suspicious.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11It's a vehicle that I saw this morning,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13it's parked in what we call a hotspot.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16It's near the Underground station. It's near the shops.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19It's an elderly lady's badge, she was born in 1925.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21It's been parked here for a few hours,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23so I suspect that it was being misused.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I'm just going to see if I can ring the owner just to see where
0:20:26 > 0:20:27they are.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30My name is Steve and I work for Lambeth Council
0:20:30 > 0:20:33and I deal with your Disabled Badge.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Where is your badge now, though?
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Do you have it with... Your daughter has it?
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Your daughter has it.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Blue Badges can only be used by the badge holder or by someone
0:20:46 > 0:20:48collecting or dropping them off.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53I phoned the lady, spoken to her and her daughter's using the badge.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56So we've had a Penalty Charge Notice issued
0:20:56 > 0:20:58and what we're doing now, we're waiting for a tow truck to come.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03The white one. The white one on the end.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09When people get a Penalty Charge Notice, then they have a choice
0:21:09 > 0:21:11whether to pay it or not.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14If the car is towed away, they only have one choice. You go
0:21:14 > 0:21:17and pick your car up or it goes and it's crushed.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19And it is a very good deterrent.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26As the car is lifted up on to the tow truck, the owner returns.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Officers on the front line of enforcement have to be
0:21:34 > 0:21:36prepared for any eventuality.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42Bailiff Debbie has pulled in another motorist for evading a fine.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46This time it's a driving instructor and he's in the middle of a lesson.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Sir, you have got a car registered at an address that you do not
0:21:51 > 0:21:52live at.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55You are a driving instructor. You must know the rules,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58but you have not updated your DVLA,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00so you are committing an offence in itself already.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02So it makes no difference to me.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07You either pay the £1,500 and so many pennies or we're going to
0:22:07 > 0:22:09take the car.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10Have you got the keys for the vehicle, sir?
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Right, this gentleman's got four tickets
0:22:14 > 0:22:18and what the problem is here is that he has had his car registered
0:22:18 > 0:22:21to an address that he hasn't lived at for three years.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23I could look at it that he's done that
0:22:23 > 0:22:26so he doesn't pay any of his parking tickets, so at the moment
0:22:26 > 0:22:29he's got four tickets that need to be paid in full.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31So have you got no way of making the payment, sir?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33You're not going to ring anyone to help?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- ..Made an arrangement... - No arrangement.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37..to make the payment?
0:22:37 > 0:22:41No. Sir, we have been out to your address too many times.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44No, but you cannot... What they told you when you get there?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48No-one's answered the door, sir, so we're here for full payment.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Well, it's obvious, the house probably is closed.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Sir, you need to make the payment or we're going to do the removal.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59To complicate matters,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03the instructor was taking his pupil to her driving test.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06No, he's going to pay for it, I'm sorry.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- He's going to pay for my- BLEEP- test.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12I can't cancel it because it's closed.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16I'm going to lose my fee now.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18The office is closed. I can't cancel it.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Will you stop ignoring me? You're going to have to ring.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25That's all my money, you know that, my test fee,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- everything that I paid you, to be honest.- No.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30No, don't tell me no. There's no, no, no, no.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31No, no.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35The only thing that you paid for is for the test.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37No, no, no, you're going to pay me everything, OK?
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Do you know how many hours we've lost now standing here?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44I was ready for my test today and this is what happens now.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45Look at me.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52The driver is unable to pay his outstanding parking fines,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54so the bailiffs call in a tow truck.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58But his day is about to get a lot worse.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08In Hertfordshire,
0:24:08 > 0:24:12residents of one street think there isn't enough parking enforcement.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Southmill Road in Bishop's Stortford is just a few minutes'
0:24:16 > 0:24:18walk to the train station.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Commuters are using the road for free parking.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25It's all perfectly legal but it's driving the residents mad.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30A fella's just parking his car. He's trying to look nonchalant.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33That's definitely a species of commuter, it's a vulgaris.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- What are you filming? - You.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38Yeah, why?
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Because you're parking in my street where I live.- Oh, right.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42And you're off to London on the train
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- I expect to earn lots of money. - Oh, OK.
0:24:45 > 0:24:4849-year-old truck driver, Andy,
0:24:48 > 0:24:52has lived on Southmill Road for more than 30 years.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55And it's really strange that this is the road that's closest to the
0:24:55 > 0:24:58station and yet it's one of the only roads that hasn't got parking
0:24:58 > 0:25:00restrictions on it.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03It costs £7.20 a day to park at the station,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07but the car park's half empty.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10It's the pin-stripe brigade, you know, it's the pink shirt lot.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13It's the guys that want to chase the dollar down in London.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15They want to earn big bucks down in London and they don't want to
0:25:15 > 0:25:18pay the car park charges so they come and park here.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22There's one, he's just getting out the right side.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26But suited and booted like that, you know,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29he's got to be on 100 grand a year, surely, if not more.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32It's just the morality of it.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36It's just the fact that people will park outside someone else's house
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and cause them great inconvenience and not have a thought.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41They haven't got no qualms about it at all.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Someone's got to stick their head above the parapet.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Whether you get labelled as nuts for it or not is here or there,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50but somebody has to do something.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02In South London, Blue Badge investigator Steve
0:26:02 > 0:26:04is removing an illegally parked vehicle.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10The owner returns just as the car is put on the truck.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Hello, my name's Steve, Steve Davidson from the council.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Yeah.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Unfortunately, the car is being towed away
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- because there's a Blue Badge in it. - That's my mum's.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22It's your mum's. It's not yours.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- What happened is this morning my mum asked me to do an errand for her. - Yeah.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Right, and I said to her I'm going to be late for work.- Right.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Right, because I work in the City.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32The bottom line is you shouldn't be using your mum's badge.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34No, but she told me. I didn't know that.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- Because I had to do something for her...- Right.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39..and I was going to be late, she told me to park my car.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I don't usually do that.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44OK. Now I need to deal with you with this.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Your car's got towed away.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49You can't have it back because it's on the tow truck, unfortunately.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52You have committed a criminal offence by misusing your mum's
0:26:52 > 0:26:53Blue Badge, OK?
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Vehicles that are illegally parked get issued a Penalty Charge Notice
0:26:57 > 0:27:01by this gentleman, so you're going to have to pay the pound £65.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04The cost of that tow truck and the crew is £200.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08So you're going to have to pay the pound £265 before they will
0:27:08 > 0:27:09release your car.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I was here before you actually put it on there. You could have
0:27:12 > 0:27:13left it down.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15So I'm going to get a fine, I've got to go and get my car
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and still going to get a criminal record.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Is that what you're trying to say to me?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22That's not fair. It's not right.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It's not right that you park here this morning
0:27:24 > 0:27:26and go to work using your mum's badge.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28It's not something that you do every day.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- You have to accept the consequences. - You've taken my car in front of me. - Right.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34How do you sleep at night, that's the question I want to ask?
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Is there any questions you want to ask me now?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39How do you sleep at night? Have you got children, have you got a mother, have you got a wife?
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- Any other questions you want to ask me?- No, I'm just asking you one question.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45I'm not being rude, but I'm saying how do you sleep at night?
0:27:45 > 0:27:46My mum is 89 years old.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50OK. We'll move on.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52She was clearly frustrated.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54She wanted to vent her anger on somebody and it was me
0:27:54 > 0:27:55because I was there.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07150 miles away in Lyme Regis,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10tourists arrive for a day at the seaside.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16But there's not enough parking for everyone,
0:28:16 > 0:28:21so some motorists have ditched their cars in coach zones...
0:28:23 > 0:28:25..on hatched areas...
0:28:25 > 0:28:27and on the grass verges.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Even John's lenient approach has its limits.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36People do think you get a bonus for every ticket you write,
0:28:36 > 0:28:38but you don't. We don't.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42We're not told we have to issue X amount of tickets a week.
0:28:44 > 0:28:45Nothing like that.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49My mum moved down here after my dad died
0:28:49 > 0:28:52and we'd been coming down here for about 20 years on holiday.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I love it.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59It's just that there's no work, so I do bits and pieces.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04Gardening, painting, decorating, selling furniture last year,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07but that sort of dried up after a while.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10It's a job. You've got to do something.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12You know, you've got to pay your bills somehow.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19They'll be peeved when they get back.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28In Croydon, a driving instructor who owes £1,500 for parking tickets
0:29:28 > 0:29:31he failed to pay is about to lose his car.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34His student has just missed her driving test.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36He can't pay the fine,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38so he's emptying his car before it's towed away.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Look, he's got a lot of weapons in there, knives and that.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50A screwdriver.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- And a knife. - There's a screwdriver.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53Is he allowed to carry that knife?
0:29:53 > 0:29:56There's another screwdriver, and there's a knife.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- Sir, do you want to put that down. - No, no, no.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59Put that back in your pocket, sir.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Put it down. Put it down. Put it down!
0:30:04 > 0:30:06As an instructor, is he allowed to carry weapons in a car?
0:30:06 > 0:30:08They're...they're tools.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10They're not tools, that's a knife.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Are you allowed to carry a knife as an instructor,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14for my own safety now?
0:30:14 > 0:30:16For car, for electrical.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20OK, give me your hand. Give me your hand.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Wait a minute.- Give me your hand. Right.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25You're under arrest for possession of a pointed, bladed article.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence...
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Stop resisting. Stop resisting.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- He's got his hands... - Take your hands away.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32Take your hands away now.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37After eight years of me doing the job, nothing's happened to me,
0:30:37 > 0:30:41but obviously today and tomorrow's another day, so who knows?
0:30:41 > 0:30:47But the middle son is not... wasn't happy about me doing the job
0:30:47 > 0:30:51because he thinks that his mum would be in danger.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Yeah, I was actually scared when the knife came out
0:30:53 > 0:30:56and he just pulled it.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58But anyway, I'll take my test again and hopefully this time I'll
0:30:58 > 0:31:03go for a reliable driving school. The ones that are well-known.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10As well as having his car impounded, the driving instructor
0:31:10 > 0:31:13received a police caution for possession of a bladed object.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Penalty charges and parking restrictions can be
0:31:25 > 0:31:27a frustration for motorists.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33But in Bishop's Stortford, it's the lack of restrictions that has
0:31:33 > 0:31:34the residents up in arms.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42City-bound commuters are monopolising
0:31:42 > 0:31:44the spaces in a residential street.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49Mother of two Helen
0:31:49 > 0:31:52has lived on Southmill Road for the past 15 years.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Helen's armed with posters that the residents hope will tackle
0:31:58 > 0:32:00the problem.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02See you. Have a nice evening.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04We've made up the posters
0:32:04 > 0:32:06and we're hoping that they'll be able to put them in the front
0:32:06 > 0:32:09and back of their cars so it'll be seen from all angles.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14It's a sort of non-aggressive, sort of passive, stand,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16just so the commuters know where we're at
0:32:16 > 0:32:20and just to remind them that this is a residential area
0:32:20 > 0:32:22and hopefully they can remember to park in the station car park
0:32:22 > 0:32:26or the town car park or anywhere else rather than Southmill Road.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28It does feel a little bit rebellious.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I wasn't allowed to be rebellious when I was young,
0:32:31 > 0:32:32so now I'm having my moment.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38The protest has attracted the interest of the local paper.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42This is just a stand for us, we're just saying please look around
0:32:42 > 0:32:46you. There's no off-road parking, please don't take our spaces.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49But, yeah, no, it's exciting, it's great,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52and hopefully, you know, the council will sit up and take notice.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57The residents will have to wait until the morning to see
0:32:57 > 0:33:00whether the posters will have any impact.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01Squash in on the end for me.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14In South London, Lambeth Council are clamping down on motorists
0:33:14 > 0:33:16trying to evade parking charges.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Steve and his team have confiscated hundreds of Blue Badges that
0:33:21 > 0:33:22have been fraudulently used.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29This one is a forged badge. It's a copy badge which was in use.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33There's another one that's been through a scanner.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37If you look at the hologram, the one on the top shines
0:33:37 > 0:33:39and the one on the bottom doesn't.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42The one on the bottom is a scanned copy.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47Another one here, look, you can see it's an old badge which has been
0:33:47 > 0:33:52changed. Somebody's got a felt tip pen and changed 2006 to read 2009.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57Changing the expiry date carries a fine of £5,000
0:33:57 > 0:33:59and up to five years in prison.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Just repeat it for me so I make sure I've got the right one.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07There are some foreign websites, you can buy badges from £250.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Others we've had £100 in pubs, £200.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16You know, we see respected members of society who get caught
0:34:16 > 0:34:22misusing Blue Badges - doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27People are willing to risk a criminal conviction than just
0:34:27 > 0:34:29paying a few pounds for parking.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41It's 6am and Andy's looking out from his window to see
0:34:41 > 0:34:44if the commuters have taken any notice of the posters.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Engine's off, door's open.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Oh, he's looking at the back window of the truck.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Yeah, he's reading the poster.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04And he's got a woman with him. She's reading it as well.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16There's definitely more spaces along here now.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18This is the time of day
0:35:18 > 0:35:20when you would expect it to be quite full.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25Hopefully the message will sink in and they won't park here again.
0:35:25 > 0:35:26Hope springs eternal.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31It's a small victory for the residents of Southmill Road,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35and they're hopeful the council will soon provide a more permanent solution.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45The NoTo Mob are hoping people power will help them
0:35:45 > 0:35:48in their own battle over parking enforcement.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54Today, they're at a bikers' cafe in Surrey looking for new recruits.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Guys, I don't know if you saw us ride in.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03We were the lot that came in with the masks on.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08What we're trying to do today by this is to recruit some
0:36:08 > 0:36:11people to come out with us, see whether you like it.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14And what we do, we follow these cameras around
0:36:14 > 0:36:18ensuring that what they do is correct and legal.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21We call ourselves Shunters. Scamra Car Hunters.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23Shunters.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24We saw some the other day, didn't we?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26He was standing behind this car like this.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- Yeah, right behind the bushes. - He's standing right at this one.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31No, these might be speed cameras.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32We don't do speed cameras.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- Oh, right.- Because that's...
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Oh, CCTV for parking enforcement. Right, OK.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37Parking enforcement.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Hiding behind parked cars, lifting the little periscope.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- I thought you weren't allowed to do that.- Well, exactly.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47It's all about empowerment for the people that we see
0:36:47 > 0:36:51have been oppressed for a long, long time.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53The whole system is rotten, really.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56And I think it's the time for everybody to stand up
0:36:56 > 0:36:58and be counted.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59If you want to join us, you can.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03OK, thank you.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07The NoTo Mob's message seems to have struck a chord.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10What's the point of having a car if you can't park it anywhere?
0:37:10 > 0:37:12And you see these little camera cars,
0:37:12 > 0:37:16they're parked on double yellow lines theirselves illegally
0:37:16 > 0:37:20whilst giving other people tickets for doing the same.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22When the signs are sort of not visible
0:37:22 > 0:37:26and not correct, I think it's probably good, what they're doing.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30But there are a lot of motorists who just blatantly disregard,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33you know, no left turn signs and park on zigzags,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36so I don't have any sympathy for those people.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Hundreds of bikers have passed through,
0:37:38 > 0:37:42but it's not quite the uprising the NoTo Mob had planned for.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Probably about ten people said that they're going to
0:37:45 > 0:37:47sign up to the site.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Now, I don't know how many of those people might actually come out shunting.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54It's really a suck it and see time.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Lyme Regis is preparing for its biggest day of the year -
0:38:10 > 0:38:13the Red Arrows Air Show.
0:38:13 > 0:38:1610,000 visitors are expected.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19It's one of the busiest weekends for local businesses.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22The money we take on Red Arrows day can be the equivalent
0:38:22 > 0:38:26to the whole of November, so it's a really key event for us.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29We need that boost to keep us going through the winter.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35But the town's bumper payday is under threat.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Lyme's biggest car park has been turned into a building site.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Emergency work is under way to save the area's
0:38:45 > 0:38:47coastline from crumbling in to the sea.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52The works that's been going on here is the last major
0:38:52 > 0:38:55phase of coast protection and slope stabilisation works.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Without this phase of the work,
0:38:57 > 0:39:02about 240 houses would be lost over the next 50-odd years.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07We've taken about 270 spaces in this car park.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Without the spaces, the town could lose hundreds of visitors.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13They hope CEOs will give motorists a break.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It is a real problem. It's such a tiny town
0:39:15 > 0:39:19and the only way people can really get here is to drive.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21And they shouldn't be made to feel unwelcome
0:39:21 > 0:39:23because there's not enough car parking.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27For local shopkeepers,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30there are no signs the CEOs are being more lenient.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38You've got lots of double yellow lines, quite narrow roads
0:39:38 > 0:39:42and veracious wardens that just want to pick on people to
0:39:42 > 0:39:44earn their commission.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Where you get people parking outside to make a quick purchase,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49they're obviously going to go elsewhere
0:39:49 > 0:39:52if they see one of the suited Taliban around.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57£60 fine. £40 if you pay within two weeks.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59I know, because I've had them.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01In fact, I know people who get them quite a lot.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04And you only have to jump out the car for five minutes
0:40:04 > 0:40:05and you're in trouble.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09And you get a lot of people who get quite hot-headed.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12I know there's a lot of honking and stuff and it's a sad way to
0:40:12 > 0:40:15start your day or your holiday in Lyme Regis, really.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17I'm afraid it's full right up at the moment.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22As the big day approaches, some visitors have already had enough.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27We're in the area for a week
0:40:27 > 0:40:30and we decided to come to Lyme Regis today, yes.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33We've been to three car parks.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36It's a nice day, it's a
0:40:36 > 0:40:39nice town and we were looking forward to enjoying it.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41But I think we may have to go somewhere else.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45With just three weeks to go until the Red Arrows arrive, there
0:40:45 > 0:40:49seems little chance of the building work being finished in time.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Oh, my God.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06In London, space is at a premium,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09making parking charges the highest in the country.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Councils are taking a harsh line on illegal parking
0:41:13 > 0:41:17and today former police officer turned Blue Badge inspector
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Steve is patrolling outside a hospital.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23I think I'm good at spotting liars.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27I interview probably two or three people each day for Blue Badge misuse.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I've heard every single story going.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33I enjoy being on street. I enjoy interacting with people.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35I enjoy educating people.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39And I enjoy prosecuting people, those that deserve it.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Hi there, good morning. My name's Steve Davidson.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- I'm from the parking. I deal with Blue Badges.- Yeah.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52I've just seen you parked in a disabled bay with a badge displayed.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53- Yeah. - Whose badge is it?
0:41:53 > 0:41:56My husband. He's in hospital.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57- Is he an inpatient?- Yes.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58Why are you using his badge then?
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Because I have to pop some things to him, and...
0:42:01 > 0:42:04But you've parked in a bay that's designated for a disabled person.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Your husband's... - He's a disabled man.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Yeah, but he's in hospital so he doesn't need to use the badge today.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13You cannot use your husband's badge to park here
0:42:13 > 0:42:15while he's in the hospital.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19The offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and could lead to a criminal record.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23You have committed a criminal offence by misusing.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- Criminal?- Criminal offence by misusing the badge.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28I need to tell you this, it's important. All right.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Now I'm going to tell you that you're going to be
0:42:30 > 0:42:33reported for that offence and what that will mean is you will
0:42:33 > 0:42:36get a summons and you will have to go before the local
0:42:36 > 0:42:37Magistrate's Court to explain to them
0:42:37 > 0:42:39why you are misusing your husband's badge today.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42And you have to take responsibility for that,
0:42:42 > 0:42:44because you're the person that's using it.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- OK.- OK.- Done?
0:42:46 > 0:42:47OK, I'm done. Thank you very much.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09Having a Blue Badge is a lifeline for 86-year-old Kenneth from Bolton.
0:43:13 > 0:43:19I need my car as much as anything to visit my wife who has dementia
0:43:19 > 0:43:23and has had for something like 14 years.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28And I go to the leisure centre for swimming
0:43:28 > 0:43:31and I only started to learn to swim when I were 80, you know?
0:43:36 > 0:43:40Every parking space has its own unique set of restrictions,
0:43:40 > 0:43:43which motorists can find confusing.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Kenneth picked up a penalty charge
0:43:48 > 0:43:51when he used his Blue Badge to park in this permit holders bay.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57It was at this post.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00The back of my car was roughly about here.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06There's no yellow lines and they tell me that
0:44:06 > 0:44:09because there's a sign up, they don't need to put yellow lines.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13So I don't know, it's all a mix up really.
0:44:13 > 0:44:17And I think only the traffic wardens can understand them.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23There were one old lady had complained about the height of that.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28I said all along that I wasn't aware that I were parking illegally.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Kenneth appealed his PCN to the local council,
0:44:34 > 0:44:36but they upheld the fine.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38In two days' time, his case will be
0:44:38 > 0:44:41heard at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
0:44:41 > 0:44:47Yeah, well, like a dog with a bone, everything I do is thorough
0:44:47 > 0:44:51and it just bugs me.
0:44:51 > 0:44:56I mean, for a night or two, I don't think I slept.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01Yes. I were just worrying of the consequences, really.
0:45:01 > 0:45:06£70 for parking there, it's a lot of money.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11Having carefully prepared his evidence,
0:45:11 > 0:45:14Kenneth is eager to have his say and avoid the penalty.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23In the UK, more than a million motorists are being chased
0:45:23 > 0:45:25over unpaid parking fines.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31Worthing Council have called in bailiffs Debbie
0:45:31 > 0:45:34and Ben to recover the debts.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36We are on our way to Worthing
0:45:36 > 0:45:40and we've got some warrants of execution to find
0:45:40 > 0:45:44if there's anybody who has got parking fines that they've not paid.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46When the bailiffs' letters are ignored,
0:45:46 > 0:45:49they start knocking on doors.
0:45:49 > 0:45:55And, at the moment, you have got a debt of £377.44.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57How comes it's £377?
0:45:57 > 0:45:58Because you've ignored the letters
0:45:58 > 0:46:00that have been sent from the council.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04But right now I've got £6, £6 to feed my family.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06Right.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08That's all I've got in my account, is £6.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12If you can't pay the full amount, what happens, you take my car?
0:46:12 > 0:46:14If not, then we would be looking to come into the house to do
0:46:14 > 0:46:16a house removal of your goods.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19We'd have to take nearly £3,000 worth of goods.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21It's only worth about 10% at public auction.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27We've had less people paying over their parking tickets.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31Before the recession's hit, people would use their credits cards
0:46:31 > 0:46:35and they would have savings and things like that to
0:46:35 > 0:46:39pay their parking fines. Where now they're using their credit cards,
0:46:39 > 0:46:44savings and any other spare cash they've got on every day living.
0:46:45 > 0:46:46So it has got worse.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51The cameras have picked up a car in Worthing.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54COMPUTER VOICE: Attention!
0:46:58 > 0:47:01The bailiffs clamp the car to stop the owner driving
0:47:01 > 0:47:04away before the debt is paid.
0:47:09 > 0:47:10Sorted.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14As soon as that clamp's on, that's going to do a lot of damage when you try driving off there.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16We're going to put this all on and then we will go
0:47:16 > 0:47:20and knock on the door to see if we can get them to pay.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25Let's go and see the happy customer.
0:47:25 > 0:47:26It's not that scary but, obviously,
0:47:26 > 0:47:28you just don't know what's behind a door.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31I wouldn't want to be going in there by myself,
0:47:31 > 0:47:33so that's why we work in twos.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38- Hi there, sorry to bother you. I'm looking for a Stefan Covax.- Me.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41Is that you? Right then, sir,
0:47:41 > 0:47:45bailiffs for Whyte & Co about your nonpayment of parking fine.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50And, at the moment, the outstanding debt is that, sir, £351.04.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53- You haven't got money, no? - No cash.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57Can you pay by card? Have you got a debit card?
0:47:57 > 0:47:58I have, yeah.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03After six months of evading the fine, he finally pays up.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11Because he's not paid when he had the ticket at £30,
0:48:11 > 0:48:14the original price, because he hasn't done that, we've now
0:48:14 > 0:48:17had to come out and it's now cost him over £350.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21With the fine paid, the car is released.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29You'll be surprised, once push comes to shove
0:48:29 > 0:48:32and the bailiffs are at your door, I think panic stations happen
0:48:32 > 0:48:37and then nine times out of ten people do find the money somewhere.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51In Bolton, Kenneth's been having sleepless nights
0:48:51 > 0:48:53over his outstanding parking fine.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55After months of preparing his evidence
0:48:55 > 0:48:59and a six-month wait for his appeal hearing, he finally has news.
0:48:59 > 0:49:05They phoned me up to say that the adjudicator had already been
0:49:05 > 0:49:13through the notes and came to the conclusion that there's
0:49:13 > 0:49:16sort of no case to answer, really.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20Kenneth was due to have a hearing at the TPT today.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24I'm glad it's turned out how it has done,
0:49:24 > 0:49:27but I've not been able to have my say.
0:49:27 > 0:49:32I'm sort of keyed up, like a footballer, really,
0:49:32 > 0:49:36who's trained all week and then you're on the bench for the match.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42Official guidelines state
0:49:42 > 0:49:44Blue Badges can't be used in permit bays.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48But the adjudicator has let Kenneth off as the legislation is
0:49:48 > 0:49:49currently under review.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57I'd looked at the papers and I knew that he would technically win,
0:49:57 > 0:50:00so if I have a case where the appellant's going to win, then
0:50:00 > 0:50:04I don't see any purpose at all in making him come along to a hearing.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07To me, they seem to have been playing a game of who can
0:50:07 > 0:50:10give in, who can go the longest.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15And I was prepared to go to the end.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23In East London, the NoTo Mob are preparing for a day out shunting.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28It's been six weeks since their recruitment day at the bikers'
0:50:28 > 0:50:31cafe and no-one's signed up.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36But an unlikely volunteer has found them.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38Tracy, nice you could join us.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Welcome to the NoTo Mob. This is Kill Switch, I'm Bald Eagle.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Tracy is a mum of two and a model.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49We wear the mask.
0:50:49 > 0:50:51I don't think you really need a mask.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54It might rain and melt my make-up.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57I heard about the NoTo Mob after I received a bus lane
0:50:57 > 0:50:59ticket in Hemel Hempstead.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01I tried to appeal and it was turned down,
0:51:01 > 0:51:05so I sought advice and found the NoTo Mob online.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08The NoTo Mob helped to uncover that the bus lane signs were
0:51:08 > 0:51:12incorrect, meaning Tracy's fine, along with thousands of others,
0:51:12 > 0:51:14was issued illegally.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17Hemel Hempstead Council, I think they returned a million pounds or
0:51:17 > 0:51:23something that was wrongly fined, so for me to give my time
0:51:23 > 0:51:27in exchange for how they've helped me is a definite trade.
0:51:27 > 0:51:32Radio test. Who's receiving? Over.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34Come on. Getting twitches.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Need to get going.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47I can't say I've really ever spent a Saturday with
0:51:47 > 0:51:50a load of men on motorbikes, but it's a life experience.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52Great to be involved.
0:51:54 > 0:51:56Tracy would be a fantastic addition to the NoTo Mob.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59I'm sure it's going to be very different from the "hairy biker"
0:51:59 > 0:52:01image that we've portrayed in the past.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03I'm looking forward to it.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05I'm not sure my wife's looking forward to it, by the way.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13- It's a no right turn. - No left turn, sorry.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16And all the cars have to go the right way because there's a camera
0:52:16 > 0:52:19car down there waiting to catch people coming round the corner.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21Can you see the car there?
0:52:22 > 0:52:23The silver car.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26Well, how is he a deterrent all
0:52:26 > 0:52:28the way down there to people from turning left?
0:52:28 > 0:52:30He isn't.
0:52:30 > 0:52:31He's there to just raise revenue,
0:52:31 > 0:52:34to capture people after they turn left here.
0:52:35 > 0:52:39No left turn, you'll get fined, there's a car down there.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42- I'll get out of your way. - She's absolutely fine.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45She's duck to water, she was there holding her sign.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47When pedestrians walked past
0:52:47 > 0:52:50and wanted to know what was going on, she explained what we was doing.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Yeah, absolutely fine, really, really good.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56HORNS HONK
0:52:56 > 0:52:58I think justice should be done in the world
0:52:58 > 0:53:01and it's not fair to pick on people that are innocent.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06They shouldn't be scared into paying fines that aren't
0:53:06 > 0:53:08really enforceable.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11It's something I feel passionate about, and as I've been wronged,
0:53:11 > 0:53:15I'd like to stop other people from being in the same position.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17HORNS HONK
0:53:21 > 0:53:25In Lyme Regis, it's the day of the Red Arrows Air Show.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31And coastal protection work is still taking up the main car park.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Locals are worried about how they're going to make
0:53:37 > 0:53:40room for the thousands of cars flooding into the town.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44Get on the back.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48CEOs have been deployed to do their best to fit everyone in.
0:53:49 > 0:53:50Yeah, go ahead.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52Gary, we're full up here at the top at Hombush
0:53:52 > 0:53:56and we're going to shut this one down. How is the harbour end doing?
0:53:56 > 0:53:59- Over. - There is still about 14,
0:53:59 > 0:54:021-4 spaces at the far end of Monmouth Beach, over.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Yeah, received. Thank you.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07But local businesses are worried vital tourist trade is going
0:54:07 > 0:54:08to be turned away.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11I haven't got many Royal babies left, have I?
0:54:11 > 0:54:14Red Arrows day is really a key flag event because it makes people
0:54:14 > 0:54:18come to the town who would not necessarily come on other days.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22However, if people can't park, they won't come again.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30It's a while before the start of the show,
0:54:30 > 0:54:32and John's car park is already full.
0:54:34 > 0:54:35Yeah, that'll do.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Now cars are being turned away.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43We are completely full, there isn't a space anywhere.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46Park and Ride is the best one,
0:54:46 > 0:54:48that's up the top of the hill that way.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50How long will it be for you at the top of the road?
0:54:50 > 0:54:52We've got gridlock here. Over.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55As desperate drivers search for a space,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58the police are called in for backup.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00It's full-up down there, full.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03I'm going to go down the road.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05- The police will stop you halfway down, I expect.- Oh, will they?- Yeah.
0:55:05 > 0:55:09They don't read signs either, we've learnt,
0:55:09 > 0:55:11so you just let them go because they'll find out in the long run
0:55:11 > 0:55:15that you're telling the truth and there is no spaces down there.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19There isn't any space, trust me. We're full right up.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22We've been driving around for about hour looking for a parking space.
0:55:22 > 0:55:27Yeah. Well, you won't find any today. Everywhere is full right up.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31But this driver won't take no for an answer.
0:55:31 > 0:55:32I'm looking for a silver car,
0:55:32 > 0:55:36the one that was just arguing that he'll find a spot.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43And they're still shouting at each other, can you hear them?
0:55:43 > 0:55:48"You can't park there." There is always one.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52- We'll just go back on the grass. - Oh, all right.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55- Don't forget your ticket though. - No, of course.
0:55:56 > 0:56:01Well, it's hot. They've got kids.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06You know, a day like today with the Red Arrows, it's very popular
0:56:06 > 0:56:08and you have to make exceptions
0:56:08 > 0:56:11and use spaces that you normally wouldn't use.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15We've managed to park as many as we can,
0:56:15 > 0:56:17so there should be some happy punters.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Finally, thousands of people who have managed to park
0:56:22 > 0:56:24make their way to the show.
0:56:25 > 0:56:31Oyez! Oyez!
0:56:31 > 0:56:38The people of Lyme Regis welcome the Red Arrows.
0:56:50 > 0:56:51Today's been a good day for business,
0:56:51 > 0:56:54lots of people in the town.
0:56:54 > 0:56:59A few frayed tempers on the roads, but pretty good.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02The traffic Taliban were around this lunchtime. You know,
0:57:02 > 0:57:06if they come here one day of the year and do their job, that's fine.
0:57:09 > 0:57:10It's pretty incredible.
0:57:10 > 0:57:14We've already exceeded our best ever day today, because they've come
0:57:14 > 0:57:17so early, so we've been trading since 9 o'clock this morning.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19A lot of people come on the bus.
0:57:19 > 0:57:21I think a lot of people have used the Park and Ride.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24But somehow we have managed to fit them all in.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27It's been a real success, yes. We're very pleased.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40- Next time... - HORN BLARES
0:57:40 > 0:57:42..the bailiffs get tough.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45If you can't get the money, put your hands up and say you can't.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48What are you going to do, take my motor and sell it at auction?
0:57:48 > 0:57:51Get your money. What happens to me?
0:57:51 > 0:57:54..Switching on the gas and sticking me head in the oven.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56Motorists fight back.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58You have no compassion doing the job you're doing.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00Is that what you're doing as a public servant?
0:58:00 > 0:58:05And an unlikely parking superhero emerges.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07If you ever have a ticket, ring that number.