IRRESPONSIBLE, thoughtless parking can be a source of great frustration and inconvenience.

It is, therefore, right that the worst offenders are made to be frustrated and inconvenienced themselves through appropriate sanctions.

But it is also time for a review of punishments which don't fit the "crimes" committed by most motorists who breach parking regulations in a small way.

For many local authorities, wheel-clamping has become an activity driven more by revenue-generation than law-enforcement, so we welcome Government moves announced yesterday to drastically cut down on its use by councils.

By all means, target persistent offenders as a last resort, but a more balanced approach is required for the majority.

At the start of this week, retired Darlington college lecturer Robin Crowther went to court to protest that the punishment handed out by Hambleton District Council was disproportionate to his offence in forgetting to display a parking disc for half an hour while shopping with his wife in Northallerton.

Mr Crowther, 66, was initially fined £45 which rose to £70 after 14 days of non-payment which passed because he insisted on taking his case to court.

In the end, his stand not only cost the £70 fine but also £80 in costs.

The magistrates who heard the case really had no choice but to enforce the fine because a precedent would otherwise have been set.

But, if the Government is sending out a message that it is time to be more motorist-friendly when it comes to parking, we hope that councils follow suit and reduce their fines for minor indiscretions.