Ministers reported to be putting weight behind MP's legislation
Ministers are preparing to put their weight behind a private members’ bill which aims to curb the worst excesses of private parking firms.
The Times has reported that government will support the proposed legislation being brought forward by Sir Greg Knight MP.
The bill – Parking (Code of Practice) – aims to end industry self-regulation. It has already had its first reading in the House of Commons. The second reading is scheduled for February 2018.
Responding to the report, Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
“Each year millions of drivers discover to their cost the flaws in the private parking system, with more money than ever being made by companies that see it as an increasingly lucrative business to be in.
“The industry’s ability to draw up its own rules and regulations has worked, but only for the firms themselves. Now matters need to be taken out of their hands.
“Full-scale reform must include an independent code of practice, and an appeals system that takes into account mitigating circumstances.
“Parking should be an inconsequential act. Yet it routinely creates anxiety and misery for motorists. Ministers should not miss the opportunity to redress a huge imbalance.”
The Times article featured the case study of Cormac O’Keeffe who approached the RAC Foundation after being fined £100 by VCS for stopping for just a few seconds in a layby on an industrial estate to check directions.
ENDS
Contacts:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448 | [email protected] | 020 7389 0601 (ISDN)
Notes to editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation that explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users. The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist.
The RAC Foundation is a registered charity, number 1002705.
All the Foundation’s work is available on its website: