CMA to take action to deliver fairer private parking for drivers - RAC reaction
Following the Competition and Markets Authority announcement on measures to tackle issues with private parking, RAC head of policy Simon Williams: "The CMA's findings and recommendations are a major step forwards in ensuring drivers are treated fairly by private parking operators. The points made by the watchdog in open letters to the Minister and private parking operators highlight many of the issues we've been trying to get action on for years and confirm that drivers aren't consistently getting fair outcomes when they challenge tickets.
"The timing couldn't be better because it comes ahead of the Government's response to the latest consultation on getting the withdrawn Private Parking Code of Practice back into force to protect drivers. The CMA has shone a much-needed light on the appeals process and found major problems that need to be addressed. We strongly hope the code will give us a single independent appeals body, instead of the two we have now – one for each of the two trade associations.
"It's also very positive to see a recommendation that drivers who appeal parking charge notices should retain access to the early payment discount and that time spent deciding whether to park should count towards the overall parking period. We also welcome the proposal that operators should seek additional evidence from drivers before deciding appeals."
Press team
