Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of regulating private parking charge notices to help ensure they are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

Private parking companies regulate themselves through the two main trade associations which are independent of government. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).

The government, however, is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations. This includes ensuring there are straightforward standards that private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales must follow on issues such as ensuring parking charge notices are not confused with fines issued by official bodies.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.