A ban on private parking firms using DVLA data may be the only way to stop drivers being slapped with unfair charges of up to £2,000, a Labour peer has suggested
Private parking firms could soon find themselves ‘banned’ from accessing DVLA databases for slapping unfair fines on UK motorists, as part of a substantial overhaul of the rules.
This comes in the wake of Labour’s Lord Speller raising the question in the Lords about whether these businesses should be “cut off” from access to systems to shield drivers from exorbitant fines. During a House of Lords discussion on government regulation of car parking companies and their imposition of fees on drivers, there was a consensus on the need for stricter oversight.
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, assured her fellow peers that they’re exploring “all possible ways to give motorists the best protection and support.” She declared: “We want to strike a balance between ensuring that parking charges and debt recovery fees are at a reasonable level and allowing parking operators to manage car parks effectively.
“We are planning to launch a consultation – I am not going to say “in due course”-during this year, which will include options for capping charges and debt recovery fees.”
However, Labour’s Lord Spelan took things further and advocated for a full ban on firms getting access to data until they complied with the rules. He said: “Does she accept that the industry’s business model depends on access to the Government’s DVLA database?
“Unless companies are prepared to co-operate, should they not be cut off from access to that system? That may rather get their attention and co-operation.” Motorists are being hit with hefty fines, some reaching a staggering £2,000, for minor parking mistakes, such as taking over five minutes to pay at a meter.
The British Parking Association (BPA) and International Parking Community (IPC) have vowed to clamp down on these issues by tightening regulations in their new private parking Code of Conduct, reports the Express.
Despite this, an earlier Government legislation targeting private parking has not yet been implemented, with a consultation anticipated to start soon. Rhydian Jones, a car insurance specialist at Confused.com, insists “more needs to be done” to shield drivers from escalating charges.
He added: “Last year, a new code of conduct was brought in to make rules around private parking tickets fairer for drivers, including reduced fees and a more relaxed appeal system.
“However, it seems that the DVLA might take this one step further, by preventing private parking companies from having access to their database in order to distribute fines to drivers.”
