THE council that oversees parking in Taunton appears to be ahead of the game.

The Government announced today, Friday, March 6, that drivers will get a 10-minute grace period when they park in a paid or free parking space - so they will no longer be fined for being just a few minutes late getting back to their vehicle.

But drivers in the Taunton and Wellington area won't notice the difference because that is already the policy of Taunton Deane Council.

The Government says the measure aims to stop over-zealous parking enforcement, which often forces people to shop in out-of-town centres or online and were approved in the last reading of parking reforms in the Deregulation Bill.

Other measures protecting drivers include new powers for parking adjudicators so they can hold councils to account to tackle parking problems such as poor signage at specific locations.

And a powerful new right enables residents and local firms to demand that their council reviews parking in their area, including the charges and use of yellow lines.

There will also be tougher rules against heavy-handed action by bailiffs and an end to fines at out-of-order parking meters when there is no alternative way to pay.

Guidance will also reinforce the principle that councils cannot use parking to make a profit.

Councils were also asked to volunteer to trial a new pilot that allows motorists challenging a parking ticket to benefit from a 25 per cent discount on their fine if they lose their appeal. Currently drivers are only offered a discount on early payment before challenging a ticket.

The parking measures are a victory for drivers and one of a number of initiatives introduced by the Government to support high streets and give local shops a fairer deal.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “We are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business. For too long parking rules have made law-abiding motorists feel like criminals, and caused enormous damage to shops and businesses.

“Over-zealous parking enforcement undermines our town centres and costs councils more in the long term. Our measures not only bring big benefits for high streets, motorists and local authorities - they put common sense back into parking.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Helping local businesses thrive is a key part of our long term economic plan. These measures will deliver a fairer deal for motorists and help boost the high street by ensuring that parking enforcement is proportionate, while also protecting school children and keeping key routes and bus lanes clear.”