London borough sees off JR challenge over rise in cost of parking permits

The London Borough of Barnet has fought off a judicial review challenge over its decision to increase charges for parking permits in controlled parking zones.

The local resident who brought the challenge, lawyer David Attfield, sought to argue that the decision was:

• ultra vires the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984; and
• the increase was of such a level (150%) as to render the decision irrational.

However, at a hearing last week Deputy High Court Judge Robin Purchas QC refused Mr Attfield permission to apply for judicial review.

The Deputy Judge said there was “no evidence that in setting the charge the authority had anything in mind other than that which fell within” the provisions of the 1984 Act. The claim of irrationality was also held not to be arguable.

James Goudie QC and Edward Capewell of 11KBW acted as counsel for the London Borough of Barnet.