Parking stories in the News/media

TomOrrow

Nellymoser said:

UK Parking Control treatment of blue badge motorist causes Newton Abbot MP to launch a campaign against private parking firms.

https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/mp-launches-campaign-against-private-parking-firms-763275

MP Martin Wrigley wants to hold private parking companies to account and has launched a campaign for fair play in the industry.

He has taken a first step in putting an Early Day Motion before Parliament calling for the establishment of an independent parking regulator with the power to set reasonable charges and enforcement costs.

He said: ‘For too long private parking companies have been allowed to set their own rules and mark their own homework."

https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/63049

Independent Parking Regulator 
Motion text

That this House believes there needs to be a proper independent parking regulator, with appropriate powers to regulate fees, enforcement and appeals.

This motion has been signed by 29 Members

and none of those 29 members are Labour, who'd have the capacity to bring forward the postponed CoP.
Looks predominantly LibDem, with some minorities.

 None are from areas that represent me.
Otherwise I'd write to suggest the solution is for Labour to prioritise implementation of the 2019 Act.
It could do with a contribution to debate

Nellymoser

Jenni_D said:

Is this different/extra to what should be coming when the 2019 Bill is finally in force?

Sounds like it's MP's way of jointly saying this is what we feel is needed is the Ministerial dept responsible listening. 

What are early day motions
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/edms/

@TomOrrow said above "It could do with a contribution to debate"
Maybe that will come

Nellymoser

Excel Parking has enjoyed record financial results again - even surprising bosses - as the government prepares to clamp down on the industry.

https://www.thestar.co.uk/business/consumer/excel-parking-bosses-surprised-by-record-financial-results-as-government-prepares-clampdown-on-industry-4978527

The Sheffield firm saw profit before tax hit £5.4m last year, a rise of 33 per cent on 2023, which was double the year before.

The firm is also sitting on £15.6m cash, up from £11.1m in 2023. It has no borrowings.

Bosses may be surprised but those who use Excel managed car parks, have experienced their 'rip-off' practices and biased IPC appeals service won't be surprised.

1505grandad

Hopefully a 5 minute wonder!!  -  but probably not as it seems there are plenty willing to be ripped oof** but won't do anything about it.

(**oof  -  used to express discomfort, surprise, or dismay)

Nellymoser

Euro Car Parks taken to court 

In a modern-day version of David vs Goliath, Euro Car Parks are being taken to court by Andrew Osbourne, a recent visitor to Rye who is taking a stand by counter-suing for £1,000 as he feels “their sharp practice, extorsion and threatening behaviour towards him is totally unacceptable and is seeking retribution”.

Andrew feels these private parking companies are “intentionally luring people in with ’20 minutes free parking’ hoping they will overstay and leave without paying as there is no physical barrier like at honest car parks and then hit them with trumped up charges – £70 and then £170 and now £225 in total”.

It will be interesting to see how the courts view this counter action, Rye cannot afford to lose visitors but perhaps if ECP lose this case we may see a change in the way they choose to operate their business.

https://www.ryenews.org.uk/opinions/euro-car-parks-taken-to-court

Coupon-mad

Doesn't sound like he will have made out a good enough case. Retribution indeed!

Sadly he has wasted a counterclaim fee.

Nellymoser

Debt collectors chased me over car I traded-in

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2qn2801v9o

A warning to all this is what can happen if you leave a car dealer (or anyone else) to notify DVLA of changes on your behalf. 

Remember it is the legal responsibility of the registered keeper to notify DVLA when the vehicle is sold or transferred and any changes to the keeper's name and address.

daveyjp

TV and print media being flooded this morning with PPC industry releases about the '5 minute rule'.

fb1969

Hurley in the studio bluffing away, RAC rep on a screen trying to point out the true situation.  I thought the two presenters were going to keep on at Hurley over whether someone would get a charge if they didn't find a space, but neither of them possessed any need to get a full answer.  Standard level on uninformed tv "journalism".

ChirpyChicken

Hurley was really really poor. He came across really bad
Simon Williams got his points accross in a clear and concise manner