Common-sense rules will rein back rip-off private parking fines

F you've ever received an unfair parking fine from a private company, you are not alone, and I've been working alongside Labour MPs from across the country to put a stop to it.

- CATHERINE ATKINSON

Time and again, people across Derby tell me how they've been caught out by rogue private parking fines. Whether it’s confusing signage, faulty machines and payment apps or aggressive letters through the door, it’s clear some of these companies have been left to operate without proper rules, standards or oversight for far too long.

I first raised this issue in Parliament last year calling for an end to ripoff fines through the regulation of private parking firms, and I haven't let it drop since. I’ve worked with my neighbour here in Derby, Baggy Shanker, and other Labour MPs to push for an independently set, enforceable code of practice. I've surveyed drivers locally, shared their stories in Parliament and written to the minister calling for action.

I also convened a meeting bringing together Labour MPs, consumer rights groups and representatives from the private parking industry to make drivers’ voices heard. We've kept up the pressure at every opportunity — and last week, we got the green light for real progress: the Government confirmed it will now publish a statutory code of practice.