George Osborne MP has officially opened the offices of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which relocated from Manchester city centre to Wilmslow in May.
The Traffic Penalty Tribunal is an independent body which considers appeals by motorists against parking tickets (Penalty Charge Notices) and bus lane Penalty Charge Notices issued by local authorities across England and Wales.
The Tribunal employs 22 administrative staff at its Wilmslow Offices and has 32 adjudicators (barristers or solicitors) who consider appeals. They work remotely across England and Wales undertaking hearings that can take place based on the written submissions of both parties (the council who issued the ticket and the motorist who received it), in person with both parties at various venues across the country or via telephone hearing – a conference call between the adjudicator, council and appellant.
Whilst on his visit George Osborne had the opportunity to listen in on a live telephone hearing.
Chief Adjudicator, Caroline Sheppard said "We are delighted that George Osborne was able to officially open our new offices in Wilmslow. He was able to meet the staff and see how the administrative side of the tribunal works. Mr Osborne was also able to observe part of a live telephone hearing."
In addition to parking and bus lane appeals the tribunal will soon be considering appeals in relation to the Dartford-Thurrock free-flow crossing, with growth potentially leading to more jobs being created in the Wilmslow area.
George Osborne added "The Tribunal's new offices in Wilmslow is good news for jobs in the area and the local economy."
