Topics outlined in the discussion paper on private parking practices include whether there should be a ban on private companies setting excessive charges or levying excessive penalties for overstaying in a parking bay.
The discussion could also consider the amount and type of data that should be provided to private parking operators by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and whether a clampdown on the aggressive use of bailiffs by some firms is needed.
It could also look at whether steps need to be taken to stop unclear or missing signs leading to a parking penalty or to tackle a lack of clarity on charges and fines.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “We need to look at whether private firms are charging unnecessarily excessive fees or fines simply for parking. Nobody should endure the stress of being clobbered with a huge bill just for driving to the shops.
“Extortionate fees only put people off driving to high streets and damage local retailers and businesses. They are far from fair for motorists who end up paying through the nose.”
The move follows the Government’s recent announcement of a 10-minute grace period for drivers when parked in council car parks to prevent fines for being just a few minutes late back to a vehicle, as well as last year’s announcement of a ban on CCTV ‘spy cars’.
