It’s time for the talking to stop

Jul 30 2010 Bill Midgley is a North East business executive, The Journal

SOME of the less reputable vehicle clamping companies have been gaining some publicity recently given their keenness to clamp our cars at any opportunity.

While I will in no way defend those individuals who park in areas where they shouldn’t or abuse the good nature of many, there are codes of conduct and indeed legislation in place to protect drivers against the so-called ‘cowboy clampers’.

In spite of this, however, they seem to succeed with their questionable tactics and drivers incur huge costs to have their vehicles freed.

It is therefore particularly frustrating to note that the new legislation passed by the last Government will not come into force until 2011. Why does this have to be?

If legislation is in place then it should be used and the worst abuses dealt with in line what the law allows.

Contrast that situation with the ever-increasing willingness of the Government – and this seems to apply to the coalition as much as New Labour – to introduce European legislation at the first possible opportunity.

Much of this legislation impacts upon business and the continuing problem of red tape.

A Government that has been in place for less than three months may well argue that it has yet to demonstrate its true intentions, but there are quick wins out there and if there is a real wish to reduce burdens on business then take advantage of opportunities which are available.

The new Government needs to demonstrate how supportive it is of business.

To date we have seen words (yet again) and indeed the whole process of identifying cuts is dragging on for far too long. Businesses need to know where they are at any given time so they can plan.

It is no different to the proposed reductions in investment in the regions. How on earth can we plan our economy with the removal of budgets hanging over us?

The September spending review may not be far away, but how long will it be before we see the results of it? Will businesses which are expected to make greatly increased contributions have to wait even longer before they know the reality?

Bill Midgley is a North East business executive