Government crack down on cowboy parking companies

Transport minister Sadiq Khan today signalled the Government’s intention to crack down on rogue parking firms with the introduction of tough new rules limiting the access to driver data.

Currently, private companies can request vehicle keepers’ details from the DVLA in order to issue penalty notices for drivers who have illegally parked on private land.

They will now all need to be a member of an Accredited Trade Association – requiring them to abide by a strict code of conduct – to get this information.

The measure is part of a broader cross-Government action plan to radically overhaul the rules governing the enforcement of parking on private land, due to be published in the Autumn. The plan is designed to target rogue firms and landowners who unfairly clamp vehicles or demand extortionate payments.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said:

“Where drivers break legitimate conditions set by landowners then it is right that penalties are applied. But we will not tolerate unscrupulous firms breaking the law by overcharging or intimidating motorists.

“We want a fair system that is clearly communicated with an independent complaints procedure.

“In order to achieve this we will be publishing later this year a cross-Government action plan which will help us to protect motorists and put a stop to the unacceptable behaviour of cowboy clampers and rogue parking firms.”

Other measures being considered include a compulsory licensing system for clamping firms which will ensure they behave responsibly and will allow the Security Industry Authority – the body that regulates the private security industry – to hold them to account.

This has recently been the subject of a consultation from the Home Office, the results of which will be announced later this year. However, specific measures are likely to address issues such as excessive penalties for releasing clamped vehicles, impounding cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped, inadequate signage warning drivers that clamping takes place and inadequate processes for dealing with objections from drivers.

The Government is considering how they can secure an independent review of complaints, and how best to make sure motorists are aware of their rights under consumer protection legislation.

(BERR) Mandelson - Post Office has potential to become "Front Office for Government"

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today welcomed the news that the Post Office has signed a five-year contract to support DVLA in issuing millions of motorists with photographic driving licences using new, world class technology.

Lord Mandelson said:

"I am passionate about the Post Office and strongly believe that if the right steps are taken there is a positive future for the network. But nostalgia is not a currency that will enable the Post Office to thrive.

"It must innovate, look to future and identify new opportunities and new ways of doing business. That's why I welcome the contract the Post Office has signed with DVLA.

"Today's announcement will enable a large number of Post Offices to act as a one-stop-shop for drivers to renew photographs on their licences.

"The Post Office's trusted brand, unrivalled network, experienced staff and the new technology being purchased for the contract put the company in an excellent position to bid for other work. It can turn itself into a real front office for Government."

The decision to award this contract to the Post Office further demonstrates this Government's continuing commitment to the Post Office network.

The Government is providing up to £1.7bn of funding to the Post Office, including £150m a year to help support a network of around 11,500 branches to 2011. It has made it clear that it will continue to support the non-commercial network beyond this date.

In November the Government announced that it would renew the contract for the Post Office card account. The account is used by four million people including two million pensioners. It brings millions of people into Post Offices and benefits the retail side of branches up and down the country.

The new Government sponsored Savings Gateway is designed to help people on low incomes save. It will be available through Post Offices who are well placed to deliver this service.

The Government's Postal Services Bill is currently at committee stage in the House of Lords. It reinforces the commitment that the Post Office will remain in public ownership in its entirety. The Bill will also enshrine in law measures to protect the six-day-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere 'universal postal service'.