DVLA database helps parking firms fine motorists
Law change means agency can hand over drivers’ details to any private firm signed up to trade body
THE DVLA is handing over the car registration details of millions of owners to private parking firms that have signed up to a trade body for just a few hundred pounds.
The number of private firms legally entitled to receive the sensitive information has risen five-fold in just six years as a result of a law change put in place to crack down on rogue operators. According to the RAC Foundation, the motoring think tank, 119 car parking management businesses are now able to access vehicle keeper records held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The companies pay the DVLA just £2.50 for each record check, while the data enables them to pursue motorists for parking fines routinely set at £100.
According to the RAC Foundation’s analysis of DVLA figures, just 19 firms could access the data before the 2012 law change. The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 effectively outlawed the clamping of cars on private land, but instead allowed private parking companies to pursue registered keepers for fines. Previously the firms had to prove the identity of the driver at the time of the alleged parking offence.
The data is available to companies that sign up to one of two trade associations – either the British Parking Association or the International Parking Community (IPC).
Registration fees can cost as little as a few hundred pounds depending on the area of private land being patrolled.
Parking companies who pass a probation period submit requests to the DVLA for ownership details without any need to supply evidence of wrongdoing.
A private members’ Bill, which has Government backing, is calling for a new set of rules to govern parking firms which would be administered by an independent regulator. Companies breaking the rules would be banned from accessing the DVLA data, effectively putting them out of business.
Sir Greg Knight, who has cross-party support, said he hoped any new regulator would reduce maximum fines, give motorists more leeway when they are caught overstaying in car parks and introduce a new and more transparent appeals process. Sir Greg, the Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, said: “This current policy of self-policing is not working. Not only am I very concerned by the deplorable practices from some dodgy operators in the industry, I am also alarmed by the number of parking notices issued and by the fact that these keep going up.”
Tim Sheppard, 75, a motorist and former advertising executive, found himself being ordered to pay £170 in fines and costs over a £5.50 parking ticket.
Mr Sheppard, who lives in Surrey, was given a penalty notice after he was unable to buy a parking ticket at a railway station because the ticket machines were out of order.
The fine has since been waived after adverse publicity. Mr Sheppard said: “It is extraordinary they can get my details for just £2.50.”
The DVLA said: “Strict terms and conditions set out the exact conditions under which companies may apply to DVLA for keeper information and how it can be used.
“Companies requesting information in this way are subject to regular audits, including spot-checks, and must be able to evidence that the alleged incident or event may have taken place.
“Private parking companies receive the information on the condition that it will only be used to help follow up the alleged parking contravention.”
William Hurley, the chief executive of the IPC, insisted members that signed up to the trade bodies followed the guidelines. He also accepted mistakes were sometimes made, but that these were open to appeal.