Government changes to stop 'ripping off' drivers welcomed by Northampton MP
‘Nobody should be landed with a hefty fine for an honest mistake’
New rights for drivers to challenge unfair private parking charges have been welcomed by Northampton South MP Mike Reader.
Prime minister Andy Burnham recently announced a new Private Parking Code of Practice, which he says will prevent hefty fines being given to those trying to do the right thing.
It comes after some 17 million private parking charges were issued last year.
The new code will include five-minutes to decide whether to park, and 10 minutes for drivers to leave when their session ends. Charges will also be cancelled on appeal for issues out of a driver’s control, like a broken ticket machine or stopping to check directions.
The code also freezes the maximum parking charge at £100, or £20 for smaller issues like forgetting a permit or entering the wrong registration.
Earlier this year Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, spearheaded a petition calling on West Northamptonshire Council to scrap a proposed increase in parking charges. The petition received 1,400 signatures, but the plans were ultimately adopted by the authority.
He has welcomed government's changes to private parking charges.
The MP said: “Nobody should be landed with a hefty fine for an honest mistake. This Labour government is making sure they won’t be.
“In Northampton we’ve seen what happens when those running car parks forget who they serve. My office has supported residents wrongly charged, disabled drivers wrongly fined, and those hounded by companies due to faulty PCN’s, to fight for their right to a fair hearing.
“These new protections put fairness back into parking.”
The prime minister has also announced second-hand car dealers who wind back the mileage will also face tougher action.
He says the changes are the latest measures to tackle frustrations which cost time and money.
Mr Burnham said: ““These charges leave people feeling ripped off and out of pocket, so I’m putting a stop to them.
"We are introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while going after the deliberate scams.
“When you're trying to do the right thing, you don't deserve to be ripped off.”