Parking stories in the News/media

Nellymoser

Another good article for the consultation.

BOSSES at a cinema and cafe feel the introduction of parking charges is driven by greed rather than community interest.

The owner of the Red Carpet Cinema and Cafe has urged visitors not to punish outlets at the Barton Marina by going elsewhere.

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/09/02/cinema-bosses-say-introduction-of-parking-charges-is-a-cruel-betrayal/

In a statement on Facebook, the owner said:

“These charges jeopardise the livelihoods of hardworking entrepreneurs who have spent nearly two decades building their businesses, trusting that substantial annual service fees would continue to guarantee free parking for our valued customers and guests."

It's good to hear a business on leisure park voice concerns publicly about the landowner's planned changes. It may encourage other silent businesses to do the same.

bill6262

Louise Haigh MP submits evidence on behalf of constituents to Government’s consultation on private parking code of practice

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, has submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation into private parking practices, raising concerns after years of complaints from local residents about unfair and excessive fines.

The consultation, launched in July and closing on 5 September, invites the public to share views on the Government’s proposed new Code of Practice for the private parking industry. The new code is intended to raise standards across the sector, with measures to ensure clearer signage, fairer charges, and stronger protections for motorists appealing fines.

In her submission, Louise highlighted the extortionate fines that some operators charge, the inadequate signage that operators use and the methods they choose to use in recovering fines via debt collection agencies.

Louise has consistently challenged poor practice in the private parking sector. She previously took action against Sheffield-based Excel Parking Services, which fined drivers £100 or more for failing to download an app within five minutes of arriving at a car park. Earlier this year, she also condemned Excel Parking after figures published by the Department for Business and Trade revealed the company had failed to pay £3,125 in wages to 14 workers, leaving each more than £220 short of their legal entitlement.

The MP has also intervened in cases involving the privately run Costa/KFC car park in Woodseats, where local people were repeatedly hit with fines of up to £100. After visiting the site and raising the issue of inadequate signage with the operator, Louise secured improvements to ensure fairer treatment of drivers.

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:

“For years I’ve heard from constituents who have been hit with unfair and excessive private parking fines. These practices cause huge stress and financial pressure for local people while private firms rake in profits.

“It’s disgraceful that companies like Excel Parking are not only profiteering from unfair charges but have also been caught underpaying their staff. That tells you everything about where their priorities lie.

“This is why I’ve submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation, to make sure the voices of Sheffield residents are heard. The proposed measures, such as caps on unfair fines, mandatory grace periods, and clearer signage, are a step in the right direction, but they must be enforced robustly to put an end to these exploitative practices.”

https://www.louisehaigh.org.uk/policy/2025/09/02/louise-haigh-mp-submits-evidence-on-behalf-of-constituents-to-governments-consultation-on-private-parking-code-of-practice/

bill6262

Next week on 5 September, the government’s consultation to crack down on unfair private parking charges will close.

The consultation has been widely welcomed across the country, given the stress and costs caused by some private parking companies’ methods – but Rushcliffe’s MP, James Naish, is reminding residents to participate. 

For years, motorists have faced confusing rules, unclear signage and charges that feel more like a trap than a fair system.

The government is now moving to fix this by introducing a strengthened Private Parking Code of Practice. This will mean clearer standards across the industry, tougher rules on rogue operators, and protections for drivers in vulnerable or stressful situations – such as when attending hospital appointments. There is a need to restore trust and make sure the system works for everyone.

James Naish MP said: “We all know someone who has been hit with an unjust parking charge and it needs to be sorted once and for all. Previous governments promised action but never really followed through. I’m pleased that this government is finally taking constituents’ and MPs’ concerns seriously.

“I’ve just personally won a case via the Traffic Penalty Tribunal but this isn’t an option in every scenario. We have to find a better system to avoid some of the horrendous cases being reported in the news.”

The consultation is open until 5th September, and James is urging Rushcliffe residents to get involved and to share their views. 

“This is our chance to shape a system that’s fair, transparent and focused on common sense,” he added. “It’s important that the voices of Rushcliffe motorists contribute so the public’s views and experiences are heard loud and clear.”

https://westbridgfordwire.com/james-naish-mp-urges-rushcliffe-residents-to-share-views-on-unfair-private-parking-charges/

1505grandad

Does the DVLA care about selling motorists data for rubbish like this?:-

https://www.devonlive.com/news/motoring/mum-fined-100-parking-two-10471250

"Also, the space to the side of my car isn’t a parking space, there’s a column at the side of it," she added. "It’s not like I’m preventing somebody else from parking there."

"NCP spokesperson Michelle McCarthy said: "We do have to be careful with cars being parked over designated bay lines as this can really impact other customers parking in our car parks. But, having looked at the image, we agree to cancel this parking charge with immediate effect and offer our sincere apologies.""

Nellymoser

Lullingstone Country Park users call for Kent County Council to review contract with Euro Car Parks over £20 admin fee disputes

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/i-m-not-paying-a-20-admin-fee-when-euro-car-parks-agrees-i-329404/

Last year KentOnline revealed motorists were being 'fined' after visiting one of the county’s green spaces, despite having proof they paid to park.

Since then, dozens have come forward to say debt collectors are chasing them for "major keying errors”.

All have complained of the same issues with the parking machines, saying the keypads are overly sensitive or print before you finish inputting.

Communications consultant Ben who had his appeal refused by POPLA said: “Who puts in half a registration and then presses print? It’s unheard of.”

ECP and KCC, who own the country parks, claim there are “no ongoing faults” with its machines and that they are checked every day.

The council would not reveal when its contract with Euro Car Parks ends or the percentage of income it receives from parking enforcement.

A KentOnline FOI request found some 295 people paid a £20 fee for allegedly mistyping their reg number at Lullingstone County Park – totalling £5,900 collected that year from one car park alone.

The article mentions the consultation and links to it.

Coupon-mad

Nellymoser said:

Lullingstone Country Park users call for Kent County Council to review contract with Euro Car Parks over £20 admin fee disputes

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/i-m-not-paying-a-20-admin-fee-when-euro-car-parks-agrees-i-329404/

Last year KentOnline revealed motorists were being 'fined' after visiting one of the county’s green spaces, despite having proof they paid to park.

Since then, dozens have come forward to say debt collectors are chasing them for "major keying errors”.

All have complained of the same issues with the parking machines, saying the keypads are overly sensitive or print before you finish inputting.

Communications consultant Ben who had his appeal refused by POPLA said: “Who puts in half a registration and then presses print? It’s unheard of.”

ECP and KCC, who own the country parks, claim there are “no ongoing faults” with its machines and that they are checked every day.

The council would not reveal when its contract with Euro Car Parks ends or the percentage of income it receives from parking enforcement.

A KentOnline FOI request found some 295 people paid a £20 fee for allegedly mistyping their reg number at Lullingstone County Park – totalling £5,900 collected that year from one car park alone.

The article mentions the consultation and links to it.

This follows on from Elli's previous articles about this scam and I hope she has provided her findings to the MHCLG herself!

This looks mind-blowing but in fact it's even worse than it seems:



"295 people paid a £20 fee for allegedly mistyping their registration number at Lullingstone County Park".

So, that FOI figure reveals ONLY the tip of the iceberg, the £5,900 ECP rinsed from those who PAID the £20 to make it go away. None of the people in the article who want to go to court are counted, nor other people quietly doing the same and not quoted.

It would be reasonable to conclude that the real keying error instances at that park alone are over 20% of paying patrons...

This is shocking and great evidence to answer the MHCLG's question about whether these charlatans should be 'allowed' to charge £20 a pop. No!

It also answers the question about what drives so many cases to court. Which ISN'T people like us online giving 'unreliable' advice or whatever it was that the Public Consultation accuses us of (probably an idea planted in their minds by the IPC).

Put a suit on, spout nonsense and people will believe what you say...