Dear Colleague,
Re: THE PARKING (CODE OF PRACTICE) BILL
We are writing to let you know that we have started the process to give drivers new legal
protections from unscrupulous private parking operators. The Parking (Code of Practice)
Private Member’s Bill introduced by Sir Greg Knight MP received a Second Reading today
with Government support.
Drivers have increasingly been complaining of inconsistent practises, substandard signage,
confusing appeals processes and intimidating payment letters.
We committed in our Manifesto to take “steps to tackle rogue private parking operators”.
This Bill will allow the Government to develop a stringent new Code of Practice in
conjunction with motorists groups and other experts.
Operators falling foul of the new rules would then be blocked from accessing driver data and
issuing fines, effectively forcing them out of the industry.
Expenses associated with the new Code will be financed by an industry levy for which the
Bill makes provision.
Currently, the parking operators self-regulate though membership of one of two trade
associations. Each has a different code of practice that members are asked to abide by and this
has led to inconsistent enforcement of standards across the industry.
The scope of Sir Greg Knight MP’s Bill extends not only to England and Wales but, at the
request of the devolved authority, also to Scotland.
The Bill had cross-party support as well as the endorsement of industry bodies such as the
British Parking Association and the RAC Foundation.
We believe it will mark an important step in bringing an end to practises that can, at their
worst, leave those affected feeling threatened, cheated, and powerless.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
&
Hon Rishi Sunak MP Local Government Minister