Motorists could be allowed to park on double yellow lines free of charge for up to fifteen minutes under new plans announced by communities secretary Eric Pickles.
The scheme would give drivers a 'grace period', allowing them to leave their cars on double yellows while they pop into the shops and leave their cars in short-stay bays for longer without being fined.
It is hoped that the plans could help boost the economy by making it easier for motorists to park on or near their local high streets.
A source close to Pickles told the Daily Telegraph: "The High Street is in danger of shrinking or dying off, and over-aggressive parking enforcement is part of the reason why.
"If people are worried about paying a fortune in parking fines, it will make them more likely to do their shop online or go to out of town shopping centres. For too long parking has been a revenue raiser. It's time to end that."
However, the plans have come under criticism from the Liberal Democrats, who describe the scheme as "unworkable". There has also been criticism from road safety campaigners and drivers' groups who argue that the plans are both flawed and dangerous.
So, what do you think? Should drivers be allowed a "grace period" on double yellows before they get slapped with a fine, or are double yellow lines there for a reason?
Let us know by commenting below.
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