A campaigning Labour MP has slammed private parking companies after accusing them of "ripping off" drivers and pushing for new laws to protect motorists.
Baggy Shanker spoke in Parliament about how too many drivers were being hit with unfair fines because of broken machines and faulty payment apps.
The Labour representative for Derby South called for the immediate introduction of an independent statutory Code of Practice to tackle issues impacting drivers.
It follows research from the RAC, which found that 41,000 fines and issued each day across the UK, a staggering 16 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.
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The MP called for more to be done to protect motorists in private car parks
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Shanker said he had been inundated with messages from constituents about fines being issued even though drivers couldn't pay because of broken machines, faulty apps or a lack of mobile signal.
Other issues include penalties for delays of just a few minutes and "intimidating, legalistic letters" demanding hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
When speaking in Parliament, he remarked that one of his constituents had been slapped with fines of more than £1,000 when completing jury duty at Derby Crown Court.
They claimed that the area did not have appropriate signage, leading to the fine. Another constituent, who is deaf, was fined while attending a hearing appointment.
The Controversial Copeland Street Car Park in Derby
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Shanker warned that both of these people were fined at the "notorious" Copeland Street Car Park in Derby.
He told other MPs: "A lack of proper regulation has written these companies a blank cheque to collect unfair fines and they are now on course to issue a record 14.5 million tickets to drivers this year alone.
"It is time to say: enough is enough and introduce a legally binding Code of Practice, to put an end to these extortionate fines."
He also described the recent Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice "toothless" and called for the Government to move forward with plans to introduce a mandatory Private Parking Code of Practice.
The BPA (British Parking Association) and the IPC (International Parking Community) announced the Code in June last year, with plans for all private parking operators to implement the Code by October 2024.
The main changes included in the Code were the introduction of an Appeals Charter, which outlines clear directions for motorists to appeal a charge, as well as a mandated 10-minute grace period for drivers.
A Government-led approach to the Code of Practice was scrapped in 2022 following backlash and resistance from the private parking industry.
Despite this, Shanker said it doesn't go far enough, saying that drivers are not being protected against poor practices in private car parks.
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Drivers have complained about receiving fines when using faulty parking machines
PAThe Labour MP added: "Too many well-meaning drivers are being fined for the failures of private companies through no fault of their own - from broken ticket machines to confusing apps.
"And it's costing them hundreds, even thousands of pounds. Enough is enough.
"This is about basic fairness and common sense. Drivers deserve clear rules, working machines, and the right to appeal without fear or difficulty. Our communities - and our high streets - can't afford for this to continue."
