Greater Manchester MP Backs National Push to Combat 'Unfair' Parking Fines
Heywood and Middleton North, Greater Manchester – Drivers across a Greater Manchester constituency are being stung by ‘unfair’ parking fines, according to one local politician, who has welcomed a government consultation aiming to overhaul the private parking industry.
Elsie Blundell, Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton North, has voiced concerns after a surge in complaints from her constituents regarding costly charges issued by private parking companies.
Ms Blundell's call for action comes as the government launches a consultation on a new, strengthened Private Parking Code of Practice, designed to offer greater protection to motorists nationwide.
The government highlights that over 35 million people across the UK rely on their cars for everyday life, from commuting to caring responsibilities, yet many live in fear of being hit with unfair parking charges. The number of parking charges issued is currently at a record high.
Critics argue that the current system lacks independent oversight and sufficient transparency, allowing operators to avoid sanctions for poor practice and leaving motorists vulnerable to incorrect or unfair penalties.
The proposed new Code aims to rectify these issues by introducing a robust compliance framework. Under the plans, operators who breach the Code could face severe sanctions, including losing access to DVLA data – crucial for issuing parking charges.
The consultation seeks to strike a balance, protecting motorists while enabling compliant operators to run efficient, value-for-money car parks.
Key proposals within the Code include:
Motorists, families, and compliant private parking operators are all set to benefit from the improved standards, which aim to ensure fair treatment and greater accountability across the industry.
Elsie Blundell, Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton North, has voiced concerns after a surge in complaints from her constituents regarding costly charges issued by private parking companies.
Ms Blundell's call for action comes as the government launches a consultation on a new, strengthened Private Parking Code of Practice, designed to offer greater protection to motorists nationwide.
The government highlights that over 35 million people across the UK rely on their cars for everyday life, from commuting to caring responsibilities, yet many live in fear of being hit with unfair parking charges. The number of parking charges issued is currently at a record high.
Critics argue that the current system lacks independent oversight and sufficient transparency, allowing operators to avoid sanctions for poor practice and leaving motorists vulnerable to incorrect or unfair penalties.
The proposed new Code aims to rectify these issues by introducing a robust compliance framework. Under the plans, operators who breach the Code could face severe sanctions, including losing access to DVLA data – crucial for issuing parking charges.
The consultation seeks to strike a balance, protecting motorists while enabling compliant operators to run efficient, value-for-money car parks.
Key proposals within the Code include:
- Upholding Appeals for Vulnerable Situations: A new rule is being considered that would uphold appeals where motorists had no reasonable choice but to breach parking terms, particularly in vulnerable or stressful situations such as attending hospital appointments.
- Common-Sense Standards: The Code will introduce mandatory standards across the industry, including clear signage and mandatory grace periods for drivers.
- Preventing Accidental Charges: These measures are also designed to help prevent charges caused by common issues like payment machine errors, accidental typos when entering registration details, or poor mobile signal affecting payment apps.
Motorists, families, and compliant private parking operators are all set to benefit from the improved standards, which aim to ensure fair treatment and greater accountability across the industry.
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