Warning that parking adjustments will result in ‘free for all’ and ‘gridlock’
The British Parking Association (BPA), which represents parking operators, has warned about the “unintended and avoidable consequences” of the government’s planned code of practice
Parking rules could face a big change(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Radical changes to parking rules risk urban areas becoming “gridlocked” and the courts being “overwhelmed”, an industry body claims.
The British Parking Association (BPA), which represents parking operators, has warned about the “unintended and avoidable consequences” of the government’s planned code of practice for the sector.
The BPA reckons banning debt recovery fees would result in car park firms taking more cases to court to chase drivers for unpaid tickets.
It also expressed concern that an “insufficient” maximum limit on tickets would create a “parking free for all” with more motorists ignoring the rules.
Alison Tooze, from the BPA, said: “The Government code framework has good intentions.
“However, we face an operational reality where we could see ‘Carmageddon’ in towns and cities and the already struggling court system being completely overwhelmed.
“We absolutely do not want this to happen.
“The code is being developed with the goal of protecting decent drivers, vulnerable road users and communities, yet there is a real danger that it could have the opposite effect and bring unintentional chaos.”
But the RAC warned the threat of debt recovery fees can make drivers pay “unfair” parking tickets they would otherwise challenge.
The group’s head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “We don’t support the use of debt recovery companies by the private parking industry and we hope to see it tackled in the Government code of practice when it comes into force.”
