Ministers pledge to crackdown on ‘rogue’ parking firms

The government has promised to introduce new rules for private car parks and end the scourge of ‘rogue’ firms handing out tickets to motorists.

The communities secretary Robert Jenrick has announced new proposals designed to crack down on car parking firms that will form part of a new Parking Code of Practice and Framework.

The proposals include, a maximum cap for parking fines, a 10-minute grace period before a late fine can be issued and a requirement for parking firms to clearly display pricing and terms and conditions.

Other measures proposed in the new Code and Framework include the creation of a mandatory single Appeals Service and Appeals Charter for motorists to turn to if they are unfairly fined.

‘These new measures are a victory for the millions of motorists across the country,’ said Mr Jenrick.

‘They will put a stop once and for all to rogue parking firms using aggressive tactics and handing out unfair parking tickets with no right to appeal, while also boosting our high streets by making it easier for people to park near their local shops without being unfairly fined

‘Our proposals will restore common sense to the way parking fines are issued, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties,’ added the communities secretary.

The high streets minister Simon Clarke MP added: ‘We want to get people back onto the high street to shop local and support small businesses, and these proposals mean motorists will be able to do so without having to worry about being landed with an unjust ticket and no way to appeal.

‘These measures will drive up standards in the parking industry by clamping down on rogue operators and offering a safety net so that responsible motorists who make an innocent mistake are not penalised unfairly for doing so.’

Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)