Private parking fines should be limited to £50, according to campaigners urging the government to take action. Labour is seeking input on a new enforceable code of conduct for overseeing car park operators, following the abandonment of a previous effort by the Conservatives.
Currently, the private parking industry self-regulates, leading to complaints from motorists who feel unfairly targeted with steep fines and subsequent pursuit by debt collectors for non-payment. A recent report by the RAC revealed a record 14.4 million tickets issued by private parking firms in the past year.
Government data shows a significant rise in car park management companies requesting driver information from the DVLA to issue fines, escalating from 1.9 million in 2012 to 8.4 million in 2019, and reaching 12.8 million by 2024.
Although a parking code of practice was implemented by the industry last year, applying certain measures like a 10-minute grace period and capping charges at £100, full enforcement for all members is not expected until December 2026.
Consumer group Which? advocates for a £50 maximum fine cap and clearer signage in car parks to address driver grievances. They highlight the confusion caused by signage, as shown in an RAC survey where nearly 80% of participants faced difficulties interpreting parking signs.
Which? also demands that parking operators consider exceptions like medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns when issuing fines, suggesting that penalties should be waived in such cases instead of merely reduced under the current system. Criticisms were raised against the automatic imposition of debt recovery fees by parking firms, adding £70 to fines, and a call was made for a single independent appeals service to simplify challenging incorrect fines.
Following a consultation in July, Alex Norris MP emphasized the importance of the private parking industry in supporting local economies but acknowledged reports of misconduct by operators leading to challenges for drivers and increased costs.
Sue Davies, head of consumer rights policy at Which?, expressed concerns over the inconsistent rules in private car parks, leading to unfair treatment of drivers and escalating charges even when rules are followed diligently.
The British Parking Association welcomed the government’s consultation, emphasizing the need for a fair and effective system for road users. They argued against reducing the parking charge cap, stating that it is crucial to deter rule-breaking and ensure responsible motorists are protected.
In conclusion, the push for greater oversight and fair treatment in the private parking sector continues to gain momentum among consumer advocates and government officials alike.
