The DVLA could be set to ban private parking companies from slapping drivers with £2,000 fines.
According to new proposals as part of a shake-up of private parking, businesses could be banned from having access to the DVLA database that is used to issue driver with fines.
As it stands, the DVLA will release keeper information to anyone who can demonstrate reasonable cause for wanting it. However, in recent years, this has raised a lot of concerns.
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, recently told the House of Commons that officials are investigating ways to safeguard drivers, whilst also maintaining effective car park management.
She said: “We understand the frustrations that motorists face and the complexities they deal with in dealing with private parking. My Lords, we understand the frustrations and complexities that motorists face in dealing with private parking, so we are exploring all possible ways to give motorists the best protection and support.
“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.”
Rhydian Jones, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance, has responded to the potential changes. He said: “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. We all know what it’s like to feel stressed about rushing back to your car to avoid that dreaded parking ticket. Or the panic you might feel when realise that you’ve accidentally entered your vehicle registration wrong when it comes to paying for your stay.
“And our research found that more than 8 in 10 (81%) find parking signs confusing, often leading to a parking ticket. With some drivers having received fines of up to £2,000 in private car parks, more needs to be done to protect them from these soaring costs.
“With the government consulting on this issue this year, it will be interesting to see how they find a balance between prices being more fair for drivers whilst also ensuring effective car park management. But it’s also important that drivers don’t become too relaxed in the face of this change, as they could still be at risk of receiving a parking fine if they break parking rules in this interim period. And the current rules are still in place for now.”