You say: sort out this parking mess

• 91% of whatcar.com readers say it's a mess
• MPs call for nationwide parking standard
• Fines should reflect seriousness of offence

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The radical overhaul of parking enforcement being proposed today desperately needs to be put in place, say whatcar.com readers.

Hundreds of you have voted in our poll, which asked whether parking enforcement is a mess - so far, a resounding 91% of you think it is.

MPs on the influential Transport Select Committee have called for a nationwide system and standard for parking enforcement, as well as a broader range of penalties that better reflect the seriousness of offences.

The committee's damning report on the current state of parking enforcement also addresses concerns that councils use parking penalties as a revenue generator, and calls for all local authorities to develop strategies that squarely focus on congestion and safety.

It also wants to see clearer signs, better recruitment, training and pay for parking attendants and an easier process for motorists to appeal penalties. Currently, a fifth of all tickets are waived following complaints and appeals by motorists.

Motoring groups have welcomed the report. Edmund King of the RAC Foundation said: 'Over-zealous enforcement, confusing signs and lines, and the belief that councils are using parking fines to raise revenue rather than keep the traffic moving should become nothing but bad memories if the Government takes this report seriously.'

The foundation is also pleased with the committee's recommendations that wheel clamping on private land should be regulated by the same rules as clamping on public roads. The foundation says motorists are still falling victim to unscrupulous clampers, despite efforts to improve standards in the industry with a voluntary code of conduct.

The Government will publish new recommendations for parking enforcement in the next few weeks and is expected to adopt many of the committee's proposals.