Watford’s MP has welcomed an announcement that private car parks will have to display prices more clearly, introduce a fairer system for appeals and give drivers a grace period for lateness as part of a much-needed government crackdown.
Most fines will be capped at £50 - down from £100 currently - although higher financial penalties will remain for more serious breaches (such as parking in Blue Badge bays.) Operators that do not follow the rules could be barred from collecting fines from motorists, the government said.
The plans will also mean that parking firms will have to clearly display terms and conditions, give drivers a 10-minute grace period and introduce a 5-minute cooling-off period in which a motorist can change their mind about parking.
Minister for Levelling Up Neil O'Brien said: "Private firms issue roughly 22,000 parking tickets every day, often adopting a system of misleading and confusing signage, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees designed to extort money from motorists. Our new Code Of Practice will set out a clear vision with the interests of safe motorists at its heart, while cracking down on the worst offenders."
Thanks to these proposals, the government says that the cap on parking fines in private car parks will fall by 50% in most cases, benefiting millions. In addition, motorists will get a 50% discount if they pay within 14 days, as they do with council-issued fixed penalty notices.
Dean Russell said “I am really pleased that the government has listened to the many drivers who have received harsh parking fines, having a grace period and reducing the rate of charges is something I welcome, as is ensuring that blue badge holders are still protected for selfish parking.”
