Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to restrict access to DVLA vehicle ownership records by private parking companies which have a high failure rate in the appeals process.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) discloses vehicle keeper details to allow alleged breaches of the conditions applying to parking on private land to be followed up. The DVLA monitors the use of its data by parking companies and uses information gained from a number of sources, including appeals when considering audits to vehicle keeper information.

The success or otherwise of individual appeals is not the only indicator to determine whether information should continue to be released to a private parking company.

Motorists in England and Wales can appeal parking charges free of charge. The decisions are binding on the parking operator. Parking companies and their accredited trade associations may use the results of these appeals to adjust their business practices. The outcome of appeals cannot therefore be relied upon as a sole indicator of the conduct of parking companies.