Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has stepped up his campaign against rogue private parking companies by meeting with the British Parking Association, Citizens Advice Scotland and the consumer charity Which? to discuss options for regulating the sector.
After meeting with all three organisations Murdo believes the case for stricter regulation and a fully independent appeals service is strong and is calling for the Scottish Government to act.
Currently, private parking companies can voluntarily sign up to the BPA’s code of conduct but sanctions for rogue operators are relatively weak.
By clarifying current rules Murdo believes that tougher regulation and an independent appeals service would be good for both operators and parkers.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Ensuring that private parking works for the customer and operator is extremely important. Many motorists feel as though the balance is tipped in the wrong directions with parkers having little recourse for appeal.
“The majority of parking providers operate in good faith but for those who don’t the current system of self-regulation is failing.
“Enshrining in law a statutory appeals service will be good for customers and operators as this will allow clear lines to be drawn over when and when not to pay a fine.
“Parkers in Perth have been left frustrated by Smart Parking who have installed complicated meters and issued incorrect fines over the past two years. Stricter regulation could help prevent drivers from being duped into paying these bogus fines.”