Draft Advisory Code of Practice - Sir Greg Knight Bill

The_Deep

If they are under the cosh, I do not think that they will be so keen on taking dodgy POFA cases to court. Judges will by then be fully cognizant with the wishes of the people.

The_Deep

StaffsSW wrote: »

I have attempted to contact my local MP about his support for this bill on three occasions, but it appears my emails may be too loud and raucous for Mr O'Mara to tolerate and respond to.

Bless him.

Some reading for you

http://www.laterlife.com/retirement-c5/retirement-guide-to-complaining-how-to-complain.htm

bargepole

Latest update on the progress of the Bill: It had its second reading in the House of Lords today, and again was supported by members from all parties. Nice to see our elected and unelected representatives agreeing on something for a change.

Text of debate here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2019-01-18/debates/172AA682-6541-4A30-824A-F8BE1C256B00/Parking(CodeOfPractice)Bill

The next stage will be the Committee Stage, in about 2 weeks' time, then it moves on to the Report Stage for any Constitutional Amendments, which is unlikely to take long given its uncontroversial nature, and it then goes forward for a Third Reading, and Royal Assent so that it is passed into law as an Act.

After that, the Government has 40 days to publish the new Code of Practice, which this Act will make mandatory for all PPCs.

Coupon-mad

Had to laugh at Sir Greg being described as an:

unusually committed and elegant motorist.

Aren't we all?

waamo

I think I rather like Lord Lucas. What a good chap he seems.

KeithP

And here's the video of this House of Lords reading:

parliamentlive.tv/event/index/7e3962c0-0135-4be8-8aab-42d76f6d5dd8?in=13:32:20

System

As the code is developed, there will be much more to say on matters such as the amount of fees. I genuinely feel that a lot of the animosity towards parking is due to the disproportionately high fees charged by private companies. The level of fees local authorities can charge is prescribed by government; there is no such control over the private sector. If, say, a person parks in a legitimate parking space in a hotel car park, attends a conference held there but fails, in rushing in late, to give their registration to the hotel reception, a fine of £100 may be given. This is surely disproportionate when compared to parking that jeopardises safety or causes an obstruction, enforcement against which is still unsatisfactory, and is far in excess of what any local authority outside London can charge.

Interesting to see that there could be the possibility of tiered charges. So the Code could allow PPC's to charge at lower and higher scales much as they do now. I've seen some at £20 but there is the possibility of £150 or more. Then the £60 damages on top plus solicitors fees.

Be careful what you wish for.

beamerguy

Thank you KeithP for the video link.

It is a unanimous decision to curb and hopefully cull the cowboy operators we see on here everyday.

The bill is open for changes as and when the situation arises

I am uncertain which operators are classed as good, maybe because we do not see them on here.
What we do see on here are the rogue traders who probably infest some 90% of private car parks

When this bill is law and with a fully independent appeals service operating, it will dramatically reduce the rogue debt collectors and in turn reduce the number of claims made by rogue legal/solicitors who live off the backs of scammers and cowboys

Let us hope this is law very soon

Umkomaas

At 14:07 in, the Lord Leigh of Hurley records some prior personal interest where his 'employer' has advised (legal/accountancy/consultancy??) some within the industry, and holds up Creative Parking as an operator that can act both 'profitably, properly and ethically' - jeez, how out of touch is he - that's Civil Enforcement Ltd !!!!!!!

To his credit, just before this blooper, he did raise the special issues relating to residential parking enforcement and reiterated the need for a consultation (whatever that means) with residents before any introduction - whether his voicing will produce result will be seen in time.

bargepole

beamerguy wrote: »

Thank you KeithP for the video link.

It is a unanimous decision to curb and hopefully cull the cowboy operators we see on here everyday.

The bill is open for changes as and when the situation arises

I am uncertain which operators are classed as good, maybe because we do not see them on here.
What we do see on here are the rogue traders who probably infest some 90% of private car parks

When this bill is law and with a fully independent appeals service operating, it will dramatically reduce the rogue debt collectors and in turn reduce the number of claims made by rogue legal/solicitors who live off the backs of scammers and cowboys

Let us hope this is law very soon

It appears to be misunderstood, both on here and by some honourable members, as to the difference between the Bill, and the Code of Practice.

The Bill (hopefully soon to be an Act) merely acts as an enabling mechanism for the Government to impose a statutory CoP on the industry. It does not, in itself, contain any regulations which PPCs must abide by.

The CoP, when published, will contain all the nitty-gritty detail of what PPCs must, and must not, do. That can be revised at any time to reflect changes in the way PPCs operate, and to close off any potential loopholes.