AN MP has accused a private parking company handing out £100 fines of rogue practices.
Birmingham based company Smart Paring took over the running of the car-park behind the Co-op in Saltaire last month from Bradford Council and changed the long-standing rules on parking.
Customers still receive 20 minutes free parking but only if they log their registration number and display a ticket in their vehicle.
Speaking in Parliament Mr Davies said: “Smart parking have taken over the car park behind the Co-op in Saltaire and have changed the rules so that people have to get a ticket for the first 20 minutes they stay, when previously didn’t, with very minimal and inadequate signage. They have introduced draconian fines of £100 to anybody who does not meet the new requirement. This is not only ripping off my constituents and their customers but having a terrible effect on local businesses in the area. Can we have a debate so we can stop some of these practices from rogue companies like Smart Parking.”
Many people have been hit with fines not realising the parking restrictions had been changed at the Bingley Road site.
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said: “I think all MPs will share his disgust at rogue and unfair private parking operators. He will be pleased to know that the government has taken steps to tackle this including the banning of wheel clamping and towing. Consumer protection regulations have also been amended to make it simpler and clearer for consumers to bring their own actions to seek compensation when they have been the victims of misleading or aggressive debt collection practices. I do think this is an area we will come back to.”