GREAT NEWS FOR WILTSHIRE DRIVERS! Crackdown planned for private parking firms to stop unfair fines.
Parking continues to be one of the key issues raised with me and as many residents will know, I have proudly been a strong local campaigner to end Sunday parking fees and crack down on unfair parking tickets. Last year I handled nearly 100 parking-related queries and cases.
This month I have some excellent news! The Government is proposing new rules for private parking firms to tackle unfair penalties, including grace periods and new maximum caps for parking fines.
Under the rules, there will be a tiered approach to parking fines – with less serious offences attracting lower fines, but increased charges for those who park dangerously. Drivers who make a genuine mistake or have mitigating circumstances will be able to appeal their fine and have it reduced or cancelled. Further measures proposed include:
– Clearly displayed pricing and terms and conditions, including contact details and information about how to appeal potential charges.
– A “crackdown” on firms using aggressive or pseudo-legal language to intimidate motorists.
– A five-minute cooling-off period where motorists can consider the terms and conditions before deciding whether to park.
– A 10-minute grace period before firms could charge a late penalty.
– Banning aggressive private parking operators from using DVLA data, making it difficult for them to issue penalties.
