Parking companies privately labeled as predatory by AA, and here's why drivers should always dispute a fee.
Unfair Parking Charges on the Rise, Despite Motorist’s Concerns
Prepare for an alarming statistic: private parking operators in the UK are estimated to issue almost 15 million charges to drivers this year. And it seems some drivers are willing to pay up, even if they haven't broken any parking rules!
In a poll conducted among nearly 14,000 UK drivers, one in 20 (that’s 5%) admitted they would pay up immediately, regardless of their guilt. This startling revelation has led the AA to call private parking operators "shark-like businesses" that intimidate innocent drivers with unfair penalty charge notices (PCNs).
The survey also exposed a significant lack of faith in the appeals process and the perceived success rate when drivers challenge unjustified charges. The AA blasted the delay in implementing a government-backed code of practice to protect motorists from unscrupulous private parking operators, referring to the delay as "scandalous."
For those who find themselves on the receiving end of an unfair ticket, This is Money has a helpful guide to assist you in taking on these operators.
As it turns out, 53% of drivers who would pay an unjustified PCN stated it's because it eliminates the hassle. Meanwhile, 13% fear they won't receive a fair hearing during an appeal, and 11% dread potential legal action.
These companies operate in various private car parks, such as shopping centers, leisure facilities, motorway service areas, and more. Each ticket can amount to £100.
For years, these firms have been accused of employing misleading signs, aggressive debt collection tactics, and unreasonable fees[2]. Complaints have surged as more property owners and businesses have outsourced parking enforcement to private operators[2]. It's now standard for locations like supermarkets, train stations, shopping centers, fast-food outlets, and business parks to rely on private parking firms[2].
An investigation by the PA news agency uncovered drivers across England receiving tickets due to faulty machines. One campaigner argued these devices are deliberately set up to trap drivers[3]. Car parks managed by these firms utilize Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which identify overstayed restricted periods and vehicles returning after their time allowance has lapsed[3].
When an operator desires to issue a PCN, they request the vehicle owner's details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), for which the government agency charges a processing fee of £2.50[3].
The government-backed code of practice aimed at regulating private parking operators in Britain remains unimplemented. The code was initially devised in 2019 but was withdrawn in June 2022 following a legal challenge from parking companies[3].
Local growth minister Alex Norris responded to the AA's report, stating, "We are determined to act." However, no timeline has been set for the implementation of this code. In the meantime, drivers must navigate the existing challenges and continue to push for fair treatment.
Sources:
- Private parking charges set to hit 14.5million this year - EXPLAINED
- Motorists facing unfair private parking enforcement - AA
- Nearly 50% of PCN requests lodged by private companies in six months
- Delays to implementation of private parking code unacceptable, says AA - This Is Money
- The alarming rise in unfair parking charges by private operators, as highlighted in the UK, is estimated to reach almost 15 million this year.
- Despite concerns from motorists, some drivers have admitted to paying parking fines (PCNs) immediately, even when they believe they haven't broken any rules, contributing to the industry's profits.
- The lack of faith in the appeals process and the perceived low success rate when challenging unjustified charges has been exposed in a survey, leading to accusations of intimation by private parking firms.
- As drivers face these challenges, a helpful guide from This Is Money can assist them in dealing with unscrupulous private parking operators.
- The average driver might have to deal with these firms in various private car parks, such as shopping centers, leisure facilities, motorway service areas, and more, where each ticket can amount to £100.
