Ray Mallon's attack is aimed at private car park firms - but he also wants council wardens to show discretion towards motorists
Private companies who issue “disproportionate” parking tickets are to be targeted as part of a crackdown in Middlesbrough.
Ray Mallon has also said he will look into encouraging Middlesbrough Council wardens to show greater discretion when dealing with motoists.
The borough’s elected mayor announced his crusade at an executive meeting at the town hall.
“How can it be fair that a first-time burglar - who could get 14 years for burglary - be given a suspended sentence or a community order because it’s a first offence but someone who has parked on double yellow lines has to pay the full price of a ticket?” he said.
The Mayor raised the issue following several discussions with Middlesbrough residents complaining about “unfair” tickets.
Mr Mallon's attack was aimed at private car park firms - but he admitted the council had to look closer to home first.
He asked Cllr Nicky Walker, executive member for environment, to look into the issue and said it was important for the council to look at their ticket enforcement policies too.
The Mayor added he had already raised it with the trading standards department.
“It’s time for us to stick up for the little man and little woman,” said Mr Mallon. “It’s about fairness and proportionality.
“Before we actually enforce, have we asked the person to move the vehicle? Can we take some discretion?
"Has this motorist harmed or damaged anybody or anything?”
He compared it to zero tolerance policing, a strategy pioneered by the New York Police Department and one he employed when he worked in the police force.
“In my experience the vast majority of people are good law-abiding citizens but now and again they may speed or park on double yellow lines,” he said.
“I’m not talking about doing 70mph in a 30mph but 34mph or 35mph. The vast majority of people who speed don’t mean to.
“Intervention is important because it’s about fairness.
"For example, if someone drops litter, ask them to pick it up first before fining them.”
He added that he had discussed the issue previously with the police who had “reacted very well”.
No one was available for comment from Euro Car Parks, which manages the car park at Hillstreet shopping centre; or F&C Reit Asset Management, which owns the Cleveland Centre car park.
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