Following Parliamentary Questions lodged by Murdo Fraser MSP the Scottish Government has ruled out regulating the private parking industry for the foreseeable future.
However the new Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, confirmed that the Government will continue to review the need for primary legislation.
The Government is working with the industry to help develop an action plan aimed at delivering improvements to private parking practices.
Murdo believes that despite these efforts some rogue operators are still acting out-with the code of conduct and will require strict regulation for them to get their house in order.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I am pleased that the Scottish Government is working with the industry to help drive up standards but legislation may end up being the only realistic avenue towards protect motorists.
“My office is still inundated with cases as a result of Smart Parking in Perth, who are still using questionable tactics to elicit payment of parking tickets. Without a robust appeals service it is likely that these types of operators will continue to pressure and harass motorists.
“I look forward to viewing the Government’s action plan and hope that it can form the start of a better relationship between private parking firms and their customers, particularly in Perth.”