The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called for a review of the 20-minute loading/unloading rule and other issues in a general assessment of parking enforcement for commercial vehicles in London.

The FTA has made recommendations to reduce the number of valid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNS) being issued in the city and thereby reduce costs for both industry and the London boroughs.

Louisa Perry, FTA Regional Policy Manager said the number of PCNs issued in London had risen dramatically since decriminalisation and industry vehicles were being unfairly targeted.

With urban delivery methods changing significantly in the past two decades to "one driver, one vehicle, multiple drops", the twenty-minute rule may no longer be applicable, according to Perry.

"Why is 20 minutes all that is allowed? Where did the figure come from? Has it ever been reviewed to see if it is realistic or workable for a 21st century city and industry?" she said.

The FTA is asking for more consistency in enforcement procedures between boroughs, with more attention given to the nature of the delivery being made.

Recent surveys have suggested that vans and lorries are receiving 75 per cent more PCNs than private cars.

As such, the FTA claims that introducing a category identifying whether a vehicle is either "commercial" or "private" would help tackle hot-spots, where deliveries are virtually impossible, and improve understanding and transparency.

"London is a city with very restricted road space and parking enforcement is necessary in order to ensure that all road users can make best use of that space," said Perry.

"But simply fining companies for carrying out their duties benefits no-one - not operators, not customers, nor the general public.'