Better regulation at last for private car park operations

LAST week saw the culmination of something I have campaigned for over many years, as the Government published its Code of Practice for private car park operators.

There are many reputable and well-run local operations, but sadly there are also others, often run by faceless national organisations, that often fine car park users for minor or accidental breaches. These firms can often be incredibly inflexible and officious. Residents can be discouraged from using their town centres, and in the case of visitors these experiences can ruin a holiday and lead to them not coming back. Both cause ripple effects on other local businesses while the parking firms rake in the fines.

Changes in this area have been planned for some time, understandably delayed by the pandemic. I supported them when they came forward as a Private Members Bill in 2018 and sat on the Bill Committee to ensure this legislation was given the scrutiny it deserved.

At the time private firms issued roughly 22,000 tickets every day, almost 13 times more than a decade ago, often adopting misleading and confusing signage, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act became law in 2019, which meant the Government could then consult widely; this in turn led to the announcement last week of the Parking Code of Practice.

The Code includes a cap for parking fines, a 10-minute grace period before a fine can be issued, and a requirement to clearly display pricing and terms and conditions.

In England outside London and in Wales, charges will be reduced from £100 to £70 or £50, depending on the seriousness of the breach. Firms which breach the code could even be barred from collecting fines at all.

Currently, firms are able to hide behind non-specific, pseudo-legal and aggressive language when pursuing motorists. The Code of Practice will provide new, higher standards.

Firms which break these rules could be barred from requesting

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency data, making them unable to pursue motorists through the post. A simpler appeals process is also being created to make it easier for fines to be cancelled.

It is pleasing to see the work I and other MPs have put in bringing about real positive change at last.

I hope these sensible and practical changes will provide better regulation for an industry that does need it, and reduce the number of miserable experiences people have when they are unfairly fined when using private car parks around Cornwall and across the UK.

■

Jonathan Becker > Parking fines can deter shoppers and visitors