Private parking companies could be “cut off” from accessing the DVLA database to fine drivers after reports of powers being abused came to light.
It comes after numerous cases of drivers being slapped with unfair parking fines, with one instance seeing a motorist being hit with a £2,000 penalty for taking more than five minutes to pay for parking.
The case, which caused national outrage, follows the rollout of the Private Parking Code of Practice by the British Parking Association and International Parking Community which looked to regulate the industry rather than impose legal action.
But, after numerous complaints from drivers, the Government decided to act and is set to launch a consultation on private parking regulations this year.
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Drivers have faced huge penalties for failing to pay for parking within the five-minute window
PA
The consultation will explore options to cap charges and debt recovery fees set by private parking operators while helping crack down on growing concerns of unfair practices.
Yesterday, a debate in the House of Lords took the discussions one step further. Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government Baroness Taylor of Stevenage told the House that officials are examining ways to protect motorists while maintaining effective car park management.
“We understand the frustrations that motorists face and the complexities they deal with in dealing with private parking,” Taylor said. The controversy stems from legislation passed by Parliament in 2019 to regulate parking companies’ behaviour, which has yet to be fully implemented due to industry resistance.
Lord Spellar went so far as to suggest private parking firms be “cut off” from the DVLA system unless they demonstrate cooperation and fair practice.
He highlighted how private parking firms rely heavily on access to the DVLA database which costs £2.50 for each request made for driver details. He added that if this fee was to increase to £50, for example, it could send a message.
The Government acknowledged the need for a fresh approach, with Taylor confirming the new consultation will look at ensuring private parking firms properly implement the regulations.
She warned: “We will bring forward a further Code of Practice in due course once this consultation has been done properly. It’s very important that the consultation does take place this time, otherwise the next Code of Practice will fail as well.”
While private parking trade associations have already taken steps to address some of the most criticised practices, ministers warned the measures are not enough to protect drivers.
New measures came into effect at the start of February to prevent motorists from receiving parking charges in scenarios where they face delays in making payments with a new Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel being introduced to provide extra oversight of the Code of Practice.
Meanwhile, Baroness Winterton called for liaison with Home Office ministers to ensure the Security Industry Association has adequate powers to tackle rogue parking companies.
The consultation will seek input from devolved Governments, with Lord Wigley stating the importance of including Welsh authorities in discussions as the parking issues are not just happening in England.
The debate also touched on the balance between enforcement costs of parking and fair charges, with current voluntary caps by accredited trade associations set at £100.
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Baroness Taylor explained how the Government has launched a consultation to tackle the private parking problem
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Lord Leigh of Hurley raised concerns about impact assessments, questioning whether reduced fees might make parking enforcement uneconomical for councils.
Since local authorities use parking charges to help address funding gaps, Baroness Taylor said it remains up to local voters to determine whether parking policies in their areas are appropriate.