“It’s clear the rules need to change to protect motorists and rogue private parking operators need to be held to account.”
17:03, 04 Aug 2025Updated 17:05, 04 Aug 2025
A penalty charge notice on a car.(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire )
Drivers across a Greater Manchester constituency are being slapped with ‘unfair’ parking fines, according to one politician.
Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, has welcomed a government consultation which hopes to raise standards across the private parking industry.
This would be delivered through a new strengthened Private Parking Code of Practice – designed to protect motorists.
The Labour MP says she has been contacted by a number of constituents who have been issued with costly parking charges by private companies.
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“I have been listening to residents who get in touch with me who are upset about unfair parking charges they have received,” Mrs Blundell said. “It’s clear the rules need to change to protect motorists and rogue private parking operators need to be held to account.
“That’s why I welcome the Labour government’s plans to take action.”
Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Motorists, families, and private parking operators are set to benefit from improved standards following a consultation on a new Private Parking Code of Practice.
Government data says over 35 million people across the UK rely on their cars for everyday life – from commuting to caring responsibilities – but there is a fear of being hit with unfair parking charges.
Alex Norris, government minister for local growth, added: “We inherited a dysfunctional private parking market that has lacked crucial transparency and protection for motorists, leading to unfair and unjustified charges.
“Parliament legislated for a legally binding Code of Practice six years ago with cross-party support but the four previous administrations all failed to implement it. Where they failed, we are determined to act.
“That is why we are working at pace to drive up standards by bringing forward a stronger, more robust legal Private Parking Code of Practice.”
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The number of parking charges issued is at a record high – 12.8 million vehicle keeper requests were made last year, a 673 per cent increase since 2012. While this partly reflects more parking spaces, the current system lacks independent oversight and sufficient transparency.
Alex Norris(Image: Copyright Unknown)
At present, operators can avoid sanctions for poor practice, leaving motorists vulnerable to unfair or incorrect charges. The new compliance framework will ensure accountability. Under proposals, operators who breach the Code may lose access to DVLA data required to issue parking charges.
The Code hopes to strike a balance—protecting motorists while enabling compliant operators to run efficient, value-for-money car parks.
To better support drivers in vulnerable or stressful situations, such as attending hospital appointments, a new rule is being considered that would uphold appeals where motorists had no reasonable choice but to breach parking terms.
Proposals will ensure fair treatment for motorists and introduce common-sense standards across the industry, including clear signage and mandatory grace periods. These measures will help prevent charges caused by issues like payment machine errors, accidental typos, or poor mobile signal.