Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department are taking to ensure motorists are not incorrectly pursued for parking penalties as a result of Automatic Number Plate Recognition misreads.

The law allows the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to provide vehicle keeper information to those who can demonstrate reasonable cause to receive it.

The electronic release of vehicle keeper information to private parking companies following alleged parking breaches is subject to strict contractual terms. Companies must provide evidence of reasonable cause, ensure the accuracy of the information they submit, and confirm that the DVLA data matches the vehicle’s make, model, type and colour before pursuing the registered keeper.

Errors by parking companies can occasionally result in motorists being pursued incorrectly. Although such cases are rare, the DVLA takes action with the parking company concerned and the relevant Accredited Trade Association where issues arise. The DVLA and the Government Internal Audit Agency also carry out audits to ensure information is requested and used appropriately and that recipients have effective internal controls to protect the data.