Doncaster MP welcomes new restrictions for private car park operators

A Doncaster MP has welcomed new restrictions for private car park operators.

Sally Jameson, Labour MP for Doncaster Central, has welcomed news that drivers in Doncaster will get new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges under new rules announced this week.

The changes introduced by the Labour government include a guaranteed five minutes to decide whether to park and teb minutes to leave once their session ends - and the right to have charges cancelled on appeal for issues they can’t control.

Under the new Private Parking Code of Practice laid in Parliament, charges will be scrapped on appeal for honest mistakes, like stopping briefly to check directions, and for situations like a medical emergency, breakdown or broken ticket machine.

For smaller slip-ups, like forgetting a parking permit, entering the wrong vehicle's registration or forgetting to confirm it in the machine when parking, drivers will face a maximum charge of £20 on appeal.

The Code also freezes the maximum parking charge at £100.

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Operators who don't comply risk losing access to DVLA data, meaning that even if they issue a charge, it will be far more difficult to identify the registered owner to pursue payment.

These changes are the latest measures in the Prime Minister’s series of everyday fixes, tackling the frustrations that cost people time and money to give families more room to breathe.

Ms Jameson said: “Being a few minutes late back to your car or typing one digit of your numberplate wrong shouldn’t end with a hefty fine landing on your doormat.

“I know from my casework that these charges leave people in Doncaster feeling ripped off and out of pocket.

"I’m glad that the government are introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while going after the deliberate scams that rip drivers off."

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said:

“Parking should be straightforward, not another everyday hassle. These changes mean drivers get a fairer deal, protected time to park and leave without fear of being unfairly charged, and confidence that private parking providers are held to a higher standard.

“It's yet another step forward in this government’s plan to take the stress out of everyday life and ease the pressure on people's pockets.”