Found: concerned that proposed future changes as to how parking operators are regulated under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act

Found: concerned that proposed future changes as to how parking operators are regulated under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act

Found: Local Government (MHCLG) is responsible for implementing the OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Parking (Code of Practice) Act

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of parking enforcement companies; and whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to protect consumers from their practices.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are progressing with plans to protect and support motorists and to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code, we will be launching a consultation in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will consider introducing protections for consumers in the new Parking Code of Practice.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are progressing with plans to protect and support motorists and to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code, we will be launching a consultation in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when her Department plans to re-introduce the Parking Code of Practice.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are progressing with plans to protect and support motorists and to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code, we will be launching a consultation in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to regulate private parking companies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has plans to introduce a private parking code of practice.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

Our code will contain guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

We are currently reviewing all options and will announce our plans for the code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will list the stated legal reasons her predecessor Department withdrew the private parking code of practice in 2022.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

The previous government introduced the Private Parking Code of Practice in February 2022 but chose to temporarily withdraw the Code following legal challenges brought by the parking industry to review its decisions to cap the levels of parking charges and debt recovery fees.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 30336 on Parking: Regulation, for what reason a further consultation is required.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. The Act explains in Section 2 that the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders prior to the Code’s publication. The consultation in 2021 related to a Code laid by the previous government which was later withdrawn.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has had recent discussions with private parking firms on issuing penalty charge notices where a person has paid for parking but has made a mistake in keying in the car registration number.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

I am arranging to meet with industry representatives soon. My officials meet regularly with the two private parking trade associations and consumer groups.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a statutory private parking code of practice.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

I am arranging to meet with industry representatives soon. My officials meet regularly with the two private parking trade associations and consumer groups.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to issue the latest consultation on a code of practice for parking charges and debt recovery fees.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that private car park operators (a) display clear and accessible signage, (b) impose proportionate fines and (c) have an appeals process that is clear and easy to use.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We will ensure the Code provides the best possible protection for motorists while giving parking companies the tools to manage their facilities effectively.

We are currently reviewing all options and will announce our plans regarding the Government Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department made an assessment of the potential merits of holding a public consultation prior to the passing of the 2022 Private Parking Code of Practice.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. This includes a duty to consult with relevant stakeholders on the measures within this Code. This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code and related consultation in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with private carparking site registered (a) owners and (b) beneficiaries on the implementation of an independent parking regulator.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a Code of Practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has received legal advice from third party organisations on the implementation of an independent parking regulator.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a Code of Practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to cap the level of fines issued by private parking companies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a Code of Practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to introduce a £50 cap for parking charge notices.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a Code of Practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 February to Question 27485, tabled on 29 January 2025 on Parking: Private Sector, if she will issue revised guidance on the operation and management of private parking facilities to private car park companies operating at (a) airports, (b) local authority car parks, (c) NHS sites, (d) supermarkets, (e) rail companies, (f) universities and (g) private residential areas.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

This Code will contain guidance for all off-street privately managed car parking facilities.

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of regulating private parking charge notices to help ensure they are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).

The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of reports of a recent increase in profit for private parking companies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).

The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on trends in the number of private car parking sites.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).

The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on trends in the turnover of private car parking companies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).

The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of trends in the level of fines from the private parking regulator.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).

The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the turnover of private parking companies who have a profit model based on parking charge notices given.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the government code in due course.

I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to increase regulation of private car park companies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of regulation of the private car parking sector.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to working with both consumers and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better outcomes for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

We will announce our plans regarding the government code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for the commencement of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to preparing a code of practice in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are currently reviewing all options regarding the code and will announce our plans in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of an independent parking regulator with powers to regulate (a) fees, (b) enforcement and (c) appeals.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and currently reviewing all options on how to achieve this. The government will set out its plans for a new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department plans to take to tackle private parking companies issuing penalties to customers for taking too long to purchase a ticket due to (a) queues at the parking payment machine and (b) limited mobile phone/internet signal.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is committed to driving up standards across the private parking sector for the benefit of motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

We hope to announce our proposals regarding the code as soon as possible.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to improve the regulation of car parking management companies.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

At this time the Government is not able to share any further details but please be assured we will announce our plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for introducing a new private parking code of practice.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

At this time the Government is not able to share any further details but please be assured we will announce our plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of introducing regulations similar to disabled parking on parent and child parking spaces.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport has no current plans to regulate the use of parent and child parking spaces, which typically operate in privately owned car parks such as supermarkets.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, for which the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has responsibility, places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to implement the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to implement a statutory code of conduct for parking operators that includes appropriate levels for permissible charges within this Parliamentary session.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 17651 on Parking: Regulation, what options her Department is reviewing to drive up standards in the private parking industry.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As referenced in the answer to Question UIN 17651 on 11 December 2024, the Government is required by the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 to publish a code of practice concerning guidance on the management of private parking facilities.

At this time the Government is not able to share any further details but hopes to announce its proposals for raising standards as soon as possible.

Found: The measures considered are part of developing a code of practice, as required by the Parking (Code of Practice) Act

Question

Will the Minister publish the correspondence between the Government and the Welsh Language Commissioner in connection with a case in the civil court in Caernarfon that was heard in June this year regarding the lack of a Welsh-language parking ticket?

Answered by Minister for Education and the Welsh Language

The Welsh Language Commissioner wrote to me on 26 October 2022 seeking information relating to a court case in Caernarfon County Court between an individual and a private parking company. The Commissioner also asked me to consider a recommendation that the Welsh Ministers should use powers under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012  to prescribe the wording used on signs and notices in car parks on private land; the form and content of evidence used in conjunction with notices of parking charges sent by owners of car parks on private land; and the wording of notices of parking charges, so as to ensure that they are bilingual. 

On 28 November 2022 I issued the following response to the Commissioner:

Thank you for your letter of 26 October 2022 regarding the use of Welsh by private car parks, and the case before Caernarfon County Court.

To answer your question in the second page of your letter, I can confirm that the Welsh Ministers have not made regulations under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. I note that the court hearing has now been delayed until 4 January 2023, so I hope that receiving confirmation of that is helpful to you.

I also note that you have concluded that the Welsh Ministers have the power under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to create secondary legislation that would specify the form and content of signs in private car parks, the form or content of the evidence to accompany notices, as well as the content of the notices themselves.  You recommend that Ministers use those powers (together with the power in section 26 of the Welsh Language Act 1993 if necessary) to order that they must be bilingual.

We will consider your recommendation and discuss the conclusion with you in due course.

After considering the Commissioner’s recommendation, I issued further correspondence on 5 May 2023:

The Deputy Commissioner wrote to me on 26 October 2022 regarding the use of Welsh by companies operating private car parks. The letter asked me to consider a recommendation that the Welsh Ministers use powers under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to order that signs in private car parks, as well as notices and evidence to accompany notices, must be bilingual. I have now considered that recommendation.

I have decided not to proceed with using powers under the Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to prepare duties in relation to private car parks. That is due to policy reasons, but also because of the impact doing so would have on the Government's legislative programme.

In order to legislate effectively in this area I have concluded that Ministers would need to determine the exact wording to be used in English and Welsh on signs, notices, and related documents.  Because the documents in question have legal implications on the public to pay fines, legislating to place a general duty on companies operating private car parks to display bilingual signs and issue bilingual documents would carry a risk of legal challenges over which form of words (Welsh or English) is correct.

Welsh Ministers have not previously used the powers under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to introduce secondary legislation, and I have concluded that doing so would take significant policy and legal resources. I have previously indicated that my priorities for legislating in the Welsh language policy area during the term of this Senedd is to introduce a Welsh Language Education Bill, and to extend the Welsh language standards system to include new bodies.

Those priorities are confirmed in the co-operation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. The introduction of secondary legislation in private car parks would intrude on the Government's plans to deliver the Welsh Education Bill, and introduce more standards regulations.  Having considered which policy interventions should be prioritised based on what would have the most positive impact on increasing the use of Welsh, I am satisfied that the Welsh Education Bill and standards regulations should continue to be prioritised. That means there will be no resources available during the term of this Senedd to prepare secondary legislation under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

While I do not intend to legislate in line with your recommendation, I recognise that it would be beneficial to improve the use of Welsh by private car park companies. I am aware that the UK Government's Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities intends to consult shortly on a draft version of the Parking Code of Practice. This Code will be published under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.  It is my intention to respond to that consultation when it is published, asking the UK Government to include guidance on the use of Welsh in the final Code.

You may also want to respond to that consultation when it is published, therefore officers will keep you updated.  Should the UK Government decide to include guidance in the Code on the use of Welsh that could open the door to working with companies in the field to increase their use of Welsh.

Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention.