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

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what measures are in place to ensure that private car parking firms are (a) accurate in issuing penalty notices and (b) thorough in dealing with complaints.

We have set out a clear manifesto commitment to tackle aggressive parking enforcement and excessive parking charges, and taking steps to tackle rogue and unfair practices by private parking operators. This government has put in place a range of measures to reform the behaviour of private parking companies, including the banning of wheel clamping and towing. We are currently considering further reform.

In order to get access to vehicle keeper data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency private parking companies must be a member of an Accredited Trade Association (ATA). They must operate under the ATA’s code of practice and provide free access to an independent appeals process. If a company fails to comply with the code of practice, it can be suspended or expelled.