Bill slams brakes on rogue parking firms

It must be hoped a Bill to clamp down on immoral practices by private parking firms makes it on to the statute books as soon as is possible.

Pete Wishart MP has received widespread backing for his Bill – both from politicians and driving organisations.

The private parking industry has also asked for a formal regulatory regime to ensure rogue firms are targeted and the vilification of the industry as a whole is brought to an end.

There is a role for private parking companies in our towns and cities.

Cash-strapped councils need to ensure car parks are properly run but do not always have the resources to do so.

Drivers themselves can be guilty of widespread abuses and much of the blame for the rise of private parking firms must lie with those who park illicitly or carelessly.

However, too often those with the power to issue fines – parking penalty charges as the firms prefer them to be known – are overstepping the bounds of fairness.

Backed by DVLA, they have access to driver databases and act as judge, jury and executioner where they perceive a violation. The fines are astronomical and escalate quickly.

Appeals rarely succeed and courts are increasingly backing the companies in cases of non-payment.

Until recently, there has been little willingness to put the brakes on bully-boy tactics.

This is a much-needed first step.