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MPs call for parking charge reports

COUNCILS should publish annual parking-charge reports to show where revenue comes from and where it is being used, MPs said today. The use of parking charges and fines specifically to raise revenue was "neither acceptable nor legal" said Louise Ellman, chairman of the House of Commons Transport Committee. Launching a report by her committee into local authority parking enforcement in England, Mrs Ellman said: "There is a deep-rooted public perception that parking enforcement is used as a cash cow, so it's essential that local authorities apply stringent transparency." The committee said local authorities in England had a collective parking surplus in the hundreds of millions of pounds, but that the exact amount was subject to debate.

Toyota to debut fuel-cell, fun concepts in Tokyo

Toyota will reveal a handful of next-generation vehicles at the Tokyo motor show later this month. One is powered by a fuel cell, one is a hybrid and the others are crazy people-movers that may or may not catch the public's eye. The highlight of the display is the Toyota FCV concept, or fuel cell vehicle.

Ford rolls out 2010 model line

Ford's big stars for the 2010 model year are obviously the Mustang and Taurus. But less flashy--and perhaps nearly as important--are more subtle improvements throughout its product portfolio, including nicer interiors and a fine-tuned version of Sync that could help the Blue Oval win customers and improve its image in the marketplace. The idea is to fortify its lineup with refinements "experienced immediately in a five-minute test drive," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development.