Calls to tighten controls on debt collection ‘bullies’

A politician leading a campaign against rogue car park operators has called for tighter controls on debt collectors.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser wants a new code of conduct for private car park firms to include strict new rules for debt collection companies.

Firms appointed by private parking groups to retrieve unpaid fines are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, unlike those tasked with recovering unpaid consumer debt.

Mr Fraser believes that this is gap in regulation which has allowed an environment to develop that fosters cowboy companies who regularly use borderline illegal and intimidating tactics.

Tough new rules for debt collectors could be rolled into a new binding code of conduct for parking companies that is currently being prepared at Westminster.

Mr Fraser said: “It’s astonishing that debt collectors appointed by private parking companies have almost carte blanche to do as they please. I have been contacted by a number of motorists who have been pursued aggressively by debt collectors with some even threatening to turn up at their door and remove possessions.

“Elderly and vulnerable motorists are clearly being preyed upon by these bullies. General law is almost too cumbersome to deal with this type of behaviour and in any event we shouldn’t be asking the police to act when tighter regulations would do the job.

“A new statutory code of conduct would go some way to improving the situation. Bringing private parking appointed debt collectors under tough new rules would at least give motorists an avenue to air complaints fairly.”

The Parking Code of Practice Bill will need the Scottish Parliament’s backing before it can become law in Scotland. The Tory MSP launched a consultation on his own Holyrood bill last year after his office was inundated with complaints about private parking firms in Perth.