A new ‘private parking code of practice’ is being introduced to tackle issues often faced by users of private carparks. The work to introduce the new code is being led by Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough and Minister for Levelling Up.
The new measures will mean fines being brought into line with local councils, prices having to be displayed more clearly, a fairer system of appeals as well as a grace period. Most fines will be capped at £50, with higher fines remaining for more serious breaches such as parking in blue badge bays.
Neil said, “Private firms issue roughly 22,000 parking tickets every day, often adopting a system of misleading and confusing signage, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees designed to extort money from motorists.
Our new Code Of Practice will set out a clear vision with the interests of safe motorists at its heart, while cracking down on the worst offenders. This sets out a clear vision for the regulatory system with the interests of safe motorists at its heart.
The publication of the Private Parking Code of Practice today is a big step towards translating that bold vision into reality. It provides for clear and fair rules, and fair treatment."
The plans, which have been welcomed by both the AA and RAC, will bring private parking firms more into line with councils, meaning that:
- Excessive debt collection fees for late tickets, which can be as high as £70, will be banned
- Parking firms will have to more clearly display pricing and terms and conditions
- Firms will have to give motorists a 10-minute grace period before they can issue a late fine
- They will need to introduce a 5-minute cooling-off period in which a motorist can change their mind about parking
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60282554
ConHome: https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2022/02/neil-obrien-how-a-new…
