Since July 2016 Kevin Foster MP has been conducting a local survey into unfair private car parking charges in Torbay. The majority of the complaints from drivers have come from parking issues at Crossways and the Marina Car Park, and have been for what only can be described as very trivial ‘offences’ including pressing one incorrect button when inputting a number registration. In addition to his more general survey, Kevin has received over 50 specific complaints about individual cases of unfair treatment, some of which were from tourists visiting the Bay from other parts of the UK.
Many of the driver’s complaints about the unfair and harsh penalties focus on a common issue – private car park equipment that does not function properly, and as a result generates a hefty penalty charge. We are talking about number plate recognition cameras which don’t recognise number plates, and ticket machines which don’t allow you to properly input your car registration number. It is unacceptable and beyond coincidence that so many of the complaints focus on these same issues.
Kevin Foster feels that this issue has gone on for long enough. The private car park companies are fully aware of the problem, but are too slow to respond or to waive blatantly unfair penalty charges. This in turn is causing unnecessary stress and cost for often blameless motorists and visitors in Torbay. In addition to seeking another urgent meeting with these private car parking companies, Kevin hopes to stage a debate on this matter in the near future in the House of Commons. He has received widespread cross Party support in his application for a debate, the presentation for which he will be making in the House on Tuesday 7 March. It is clear from the responses and the level of interest in this matter than unfair private car parking charges is an issue that now needs tackling, if necessary, by legislation.
