AN EXCLUSIVE 12-month pilot scheme which aims to make it fairer for drivers appealing parking penalties is to be rolled out across Ascot and the Sunnings.

The initiative launched by the Royal Borough, which began earlier this month, will introduce a 25 percent discount to motorists who lose a parking penalty appeal at tribunal.

At the moment, parking penalties in the Royal Borough are £50 or £70 and are discounted by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.

Government ministers believe motorists often take advantage of the initial discounted rates and are deterred from appealing the parking fine.

The Department for Transport invited the Royal Borough to be its partner for the pilot scheme.

Cllr Carwyn Cox, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "I am delighted that we have been selected by the government as the only authority to take part in this pilot scheme.

"We want to make sure that the parking penalty system is fair for all and this scheme aims to help those who feel they have legitimate reasons to challenge a fine, while ensuring those who have broken parking regulations are penalised.

"We will undertake regular reviews to see what impact the scheme is having and will be working with our government colleagues while the pilot is in place."

Government roads minister Andrew Jones said: "We are on the side of hardworking and honest motorists.

"I am pleased motorists in Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot will get a fairer deal when it comes to appealing parking fines. I will look with interest at what impact this has before considering rolling this out nationally."

Chief adjudicator of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, Caroline Sheppard, said: "The Royal Borough is the first local authority in England to pilot this scheme so the adjudicators look forward to explaining to the appellants in their cases this enlightened approach.

"It is now quicker and simpler to appeal through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal online appeals system, so we will assess the impact with great interest."

The cost of taking part in the pilot scheme, estimated to be £4,280, will be shared on a 50:50 basis with the Department for Transport.