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

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requiring private car parking firms to join an accredited body to ensure that customers who wish to challenge fines have the right to an independent appeal process.

HMG has looked extensively into the issue of requiring private car parking firms to join an accredited body and has determined a voluntary membership approach is a sufficient safeguard.

The Government promotes a system of industry self-regulation by the parking sector. Private parking companies have the option to join an Accredited Trade Association (ATA). This means they can then access vehicle keeper data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. 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.

If a motorist has concerns about the operating practices of any individual parking company, then motorists have the option of reporting them to trading standards and in the first instance should seek to contact Citizens Advice.