A BID to introduce nationwide guidelines on private car park operators to avoid disputes and ensure drivers are treated fairly has been welcomed by Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston.
The Mid Worcestershire MP was in the House of Commons last Friday (November 23) to speak in the chamber before the bill is passed for consideration to the House of Lords.
Under the proposals, a national code of practice for private car park operators will be drawn up and enforced by a new independent body funded by a charges on operators.
It comes after around 10,000 people approached the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) with complaints and queries about private car parks in 2017.
This is in addition to thousands of people who have used other routes such as their MP or the parking industry’s Accredited Trade Associations (ACAs) to appeal against fines.
In his speech, Mr Huddleston talked about how some of his own constituents had approached him about private parking disputes and discussed how a unified code of practice would make dispute arbitration fair and reduce confusion in penalised motorists.
“Private parking disputes are one of the more frustrating issues I deal with as an MP. Currently, there are two distinct codes of practice and the arbitration of disputes is far too complicated,” he said.
“I try to help constituents how I can but my hands are often tied by the problems of the system.
“I wholeheartedly welcome this bill and its measures to address these issues. I commend my colleague Greg Knight for bringing it to the House of Commons and I look forward to seeing its positive results in my constituency.
“Hopefully this will mean fewer confused motorists and fewer fractious disputes,” he added.
