← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Parking Regulation
06 May 2025
Lead MP
Baggy Shanker
Derby South
Lab/Co-op
Responding Minister
Alex Norris
Tags
EconomyTaxation
Word Count: 13596
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Baggy Shanker raised concerns about parking regulation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for a legally binding code of practice to regulate the industry and prevent unfair fines. Urges the Minister to introduce such a code without further delay.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Motorists face unfair parking fines due to unclear signage and faulty payment apps, with constituents in Derby reporting excessive fines. Data shows that although almost half of motorists who appeal get their fines cancelled, 80% of private parking fines are paid upfront, leading to a record issuance of more than 43,000 tickets daily.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Discussed the systemic issue of private parking fines, highlighting cases where constituents were charged unfairly and faced harassment from operators.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
Constituents in Yeovil have received unfair fines from private parking companies, highlighting the need for a mandatory code of conduct to regulate these practices.
Alex Norris
Lab
Darlington
Colleagues have highlighted that private parking firms often work to fleece motorists with misleading signage and aggressive debt collection methods, affecting many residents. Acknowledged the urgency of the issue but emphasised the need for a thorough consultation process to ensure that any new code is effective and sustainable.
Alice Macdonald
Con
Inverness Nairn Badenoch
Shared a story about Janice, whose son passed away due to cancer; she received an unfair fine for parking when seeking support. Also discussed the need for a statutory code of practice. I totally agree with the hon. Member on the challenge of pavement parking, particularly around the times of the school run. There was a consultation on the issue in 2020, and I hope the Minister will be responding to it.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Highlighted cases of residents being overcharged by car park operators, poor signage leading to fines, and the lack of independent appeal processes. Called for proper regulation and clarity for consumers.
Derby North
She discusses cases where people are unfairly fined for parking in situations beyond their control, such as when caring for young children or dealing with mobility issues. Catherine notes that 80% of private parking tickets are uncontested due to fear of legal action.
Dan Aldridge
Lab
Weston-super-Mare
Highlights issues in Weston-super-Mare regarding high parking costs, potential fines and the impact on local businesses and tourism. Emphasizes the need for flexible pricing options during peak seasons.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Raises concerns about unpaid carers being fined and asks for more protection measures.
West Dorset
Public transport limitations make cars a necessity in rural areas, but current parking approaches are outdated and unfair. The speaker called for an independent car parking regulator to ensure national standards for appeals, signage, access, and fairness.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
In Northern Ireland, approximately £7.4 million-worth of penalty charge notices were issued in the financial year 2023-24. Jim highlights issues like machines not working, payment facilities failing, and incorrect marking of disabled bays.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Expressed concern about the impact of parking practices in towns like Stocksfield and the introduction of paid parking at train stations which could affect local communities negatively.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
Reports that disputed tickets are out of control in his constituency's central car park, questioning the effectiveness of the voluntary code of practice introduced last year.
John Whitby
Lab
Derbyshire Dales
Highlighted issues faced by constituents like Rachel Betton and Kathleen Jackson, who were unfairly fined despite not actually parking or due to machine functionality issues.
Julia Buckley
Lab
Shrewsbury
Private parking firms add debt recovery fees to fines, making them more expensive. The speaker urged the Minister to prevent the addition of bailiffs’ charges on unpaid parking fines in the new regulatory code.
Lewis Cocking
Con
Newton Abbot
Parking is a crucial part of everyday life, but too often it is overlooked because it is not a glamorous political issue. There are many examples of rogue parking companies and the need to take action on them. There is a need to prioritise adequate parking spaces in new housing developments, as per the national planning policy framework. Constituents face issues with rogue parking companies and unfair treatment.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Derby North
Outlines the unfair treatment of constituents in Darlington, including wheelchair users facing parking fines due to machine malfunctions and long payment times. Emphasises the need for proper regulation and an independent ombudsman. On the appeals process, constituents across the country are attending court to find that their hearing has been cancelled by the company at the last minute. This is a waste of their time and the court’s time.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Raises concerns about conflicts of interest in the Independent Appeals Service, which is run by the same company that profits from private parking fees. Suggests a need for government oversight to ensure fairness and public confidence.
Newton Abbot
Highlights that private parking companies operate based on intimidation, with no genuine appeals process. Urges for an independent regulator and progress in the consultation on the draft code of conduct. He raised concerns about Cornwall council considering sub-letting parking spaces to private companies, which could lead to excessive fines for tourists and residents.
Patrick Hurley
Lab
Southport
Private parking firms issue over 14 million fines annually. The speaker shared cases involving unclear payment processes and mistaken charges, underscoring the need for standardised regulation concerning signage, grace periods, and appeals processes.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
Welcomed the debate and called for an independent parking regulator with power to regulate fees, enforcement, and appeals to protect motorists and ensure transparency.
Sarah Green
LD
Chesham and Amersham
Asked about the timeframe for delivering the code of practice, seeking clarity on when it will be published.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
Reports significant casework related to concerns over private parking charge notices, indicating a widespread sense of anger among constituents in Mansfield.
Bath
Parking regulations should enhance communities, not stifle them. Wera proposes a national framework for fair parking standards that ensures transparency in permit pricing and protects small businesses and essential workers.
Government Response
Alex Norris
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Government Response
Acknowledging the significant issues raised by constituents regarding unfair practices by private parking companies, the Minister emphasised the importance of car parks in supporting community vitality. He stated that while there are many quality interactions between motorists and parking firms, there is also a need for fairer systems to prevent avoidable challenges. Between 2012 and 2022, DVLA vehicle keeper data requests increased nearly fivefold, highlighting the growing concern.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.