MP backs drive to clamp down on cowboy car park firms

WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid has added his voice to the chorus calling for a crackdown on cowboy car parking companies.
He spoke in support of a Bill which aims to introduce a statutory code of practice for private parking companies which will prevent motorists from being treated unfairly.
The Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons and has now been sent to the House of Lords for consideration, before it receives Royal Assent.
After the debate, Mr Rashid said: “I am very pleased that this important Bill secured the support it needed to pass through another stage of the legislative process, and I hope it will lead to long overdue changes in the car parking industry.
“I have been contacted by many constituents who have been treated unfairly by car parking companies. In many of these cases, my constituents are being penalised for breaking obscure terms of the car park, or they are being falsely accused of not purchasing a parking ticket. Car parking companies are then issuing letters to my constituents threatening court action if they do not pay a substantial fine.
“The small number of rogue companies treating motorists unfairly is tarnishing the reputation of the car parking industry. This Bill will put a stop to that.
“At a time of much division in Westminster, I am pleased to have been able to use my voice as an elected representative to work with cross party colleagues to support a measure that will genuinely improve the lives of many of my constituents.”