News

The figures are shocking. In July this year, 221 parking fines were issued in Westminster to members of the Brewery Logistics Group, which represents all the major companies delivering to pubs. Fines across London now total £1.1m a year, all keeping London's pubs supplied. The group has been working hard to persuade Westminster Council, the worst offender, to enforce the law fairly and properly and to allow the 20 minute unloading time. But now the situation has worsened. There are documented  reports of a parking attendant issuing two tickets to a Carlsberg vehicle in two minutes.

The number of parking fines had been going down. But in July the number of parking tickets issued increased by 103% and in August by 118%. It is not just the cost of the fines but also the cost of administration. These fines are an expensive tax on delivering in London. Often it is breaking the law to issue tickets when vehicles are being legitimately unloaded. Westminster should think again about this unfair restriction on trade or face legal action. Or maybe Westminster does not want its pubs to receive supplies of beer.

---

The mergers in the industry continue this week with Corby Chilled being purchased by the very fast growing Innovate Holdings for £28m. Innovate is owned by an Icelandic logistics company but this is no cold blast from the north. The two companies are a good fit. Consolidation in the industry is now taking place and will result in a stronger, if smaller, industry.