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Westminster City Council has cut the number of parking tickets issued to HGV drivers by almost 50% during a trial of increased loading time.

With 2,250 fewer tickets issued in the first three months of this year than in the equivalent period in 2007, cabinet member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Danny Chalkley says: "That is a good thing not a bad thing. It is not simply about revenue. Westminster is one of the most trafficked  parts and is the economic powerhouse of the UK."

Loading time for HGVs above 3.5 tonnes has risen from 20 minutes to 40 minutes on single- and double-yellow lines. Natalie Chapman, Freight Transport Association (FTA) regional policy manager for London, highlights Westminster and Camden as problematic areas for hauliers. While these two London boroughs still allow unlimited access between 6.30pm and 11am, most others do not.

Chapman notes that breweries are suffering the most, adding: "Surely it makes sense to encourage vehicles to stay in one place to decrease congestion and pollution." Chalkey is keen to look at the end of the trial results in June before a decision is made on if the chang will become permanent.