Alert on car park reform

MILLIONS of drivers will face higher charges under a private parking shake-up, industry bosses warn.

Ministers want to cut big fines levied by private firms and set up an independent appeals system.

But operators claim parking charges will rise to recoup costs and “cowboys” who ignore the rules will thrive as legitimate firms are squeezed out.

The new code of practice will apply to privatelyrun car parks at hospitals, stations and shopping centres. It will see fines cut from £100 to £50, or £60 to £25 if paid within 14 days.