Freedom of Information responses are often defensive in nature. Having been found wanting in not having a policy, as required by the Secretary of State, councils everywhere try to soften the blow by adding extra information, as if that will somehow appease the recipient.
Often, Mr Mustard finds, they are simply adding fuel to the flames.
The whole point of applying discretion is that a contravention has occurred and someone is asking for a goodwill (not much of that about, even at Christmas in parking departments) cancellation, as they had a good reason as to why they contravened e.g. they were an off duty doctor assisting in a medical emergency on street and this caused them to overstay the parking they had paid for.
If Islington Council are basing their decisions on Traffic Management Orders alone then they aren't exercising a single iota of discretion.
The end.
Surely this is an official "no discretion" policy. If so, surely it is illegal ?
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