Challenge of Barnet parking charges thrown out by High Court
A High Court judge has rejected drivers’ pleas for a judicial review over parking charge rises in Barnet.
Barnet CPZ Action group launched legal action against the Barnet Council hikes, saying they were “unlawful”.
But the bid was refused and the group was ordered to pay more than �2,000 in costs to the council.
But chief campaigner and solicitor David Attfield is set to try again. He will lodge an appeal in the coming days for the group’s lawyers to present the case in person to a High Court judge.
Mr Attfield said: “It’s a setback and it’s disappointing that we were not able to convey what we still believe is a strong legal case.
Appeal
“But we have a second chance to present our case in person before a judge and we feel that’s a better opportunity to present our case.”
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He said the bid had failed because it was ruled to be too similar to a previous appeal, which was also rejected.
The council has decided to raise residents’ permits from �40 to �100 and visitor permits from �1 to �4.
Parking boss Cllr Brian Coleman said: “This is marvellous news for the council taxpayer with costs being awarded to the council.
“It’s finished, over, kaput, and good news all round. We knew it had no merit and an earlier one was thrown out in June. The judge saw the case had no merit and it’s very clear and we always knew that. We had to make the decision and people have to cover the costs of CPZs and the judge came to the correct conclusion.”
But Mr Attfield says that residents still have an appetite for the campaign and are raising more than �1,500 for the fighting fund over the weekend at a quiz night.
