CLAMPDOWN ON THE ROGUE PARKING FIRMS
Fines cap and appeals charter to protect motorists
ROGUE car parking firms which deploy “aggressive tactics” and impose unfair fines face a crackdown, ministers have announced.
A new parking code of practice would include an “appeals charter” which would scrap fines for motorists who make genuine errors or have mitigating circumstances.
There would be a maximum cap for parking fines, a 10-minute grace period before penalties are issued and a requirement for firms to clearly display their prices and terms.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the new rules for private car parks would be a “victory” for millions of motorists.
He said: “They will put a stop once and for all to rogue parking firms using aggressive tactics and handing out unfair parking tickets with no right to appeal, while also boosting our high streets by making it easier for people to park near local shops without being unfairly fined.”
The plans, being put out for public consultation, include the creation of a single appeals service.
Motorists could appeal against their fine and see it reduced to a maximum of
£20, or cancelled entirely, if there is a justified reason for overstaying, such as the vehicle breaking down.
There would be tiered parking fines with a cap for less serious offences of between £40 and £80, depending on the parking charge system chosen, but both lower than the current £100 cap. Drivers who wrongly park in disabled or ambulance bays would face an increased fine of £120.
The code would be mandatory, unlike the existing voluntary systems which are currently set by the industry. Mr Jenrick said: “Our proposals will restore common sense to the way parking fines are issued, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties.” The consultation process will run until mid-October, the Communities Department said.