Overview

This bill aims to improve consumer protection in privately-owned, publicly-accessible car parks in England and Wales by introducing a licensing system. This system will regulate charges, communication practices, and overall fairness for drivers using these car parks.

Description

The Consumer Protection (Private Car Parks) Bill mandates that the Secretary of State, within one year of the Act's passage, requires all local authorities in England and Wales to implement a licensing scheme for privately-owned car parks that charge for parking. The scheme will:

• Set criteria for licenses, including limits on penalty charges, a ban on intimidating correspondence, and clear display of terms and conditions.
• Establish a maximum level for fixed penalty charges.
• Allow local authorities to recover licensing scheme costs through a levy on car park operators.
• Permit exemptions from the licensing scheme.
• Define penalties for unlicensed operators issuing penalty charges or collecting vehicle data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
• Specify a maximum license validity period.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by government departments or public authorities as a result of implementing the Act will be covered by Parliament. The bill also stipulates that any money received by the Crown due to the Act's implementation will be paid into the Consolidated Fund. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Private car park operators: Will be subject to licensing requirements, potential levies to cover administration costs, and penalties for non-compliance.
• Local authorities: Will be responsible for administering the licensing scheme and collecting levies.
• Drivers: Will benefit from greater protection against unfair charges and practices.
• The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): Their data will be protected from misuse by unlicensed operators.

Powered by nyModel