COMMUTERS who drive in to work look set to become public enemy number one as the Government pinpoints parking controls as a key means of traffic restraint. A new report published by the Government Office for London identifies increasing the cost of city centre parking as a fundamental plank of its traffic management platform.

Its findings will shape the traffic policies of all the London boroughs and the Highways Agency for the next five years. If the report's recommendations are implemented, public parking charges will continue to rise while the amount of private non-residential (i.e. company-funded) parking will reduce - enforced by new legislation if necessary.

Launching the report, minister for transport in London Glenda Jackson said the main thrust of the capital's traffic management and parking policy would be to encourage greater use of alternatives to the car. 'This new approach heralds a shift away from a preoccupation with vehicles and instead, places the emphasis on moving people and goods,' said Jackson.