Menu
08/10/2013
Car Parks 'Squeezing Profit' From Motorists
Some car park enforcers are "squeezing every penny of profit out of motorists," using methods which are "unfair", according to Environment Minister Mark Durkan.
The Department has pointed out that the DOE’s Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has to provide information on drivers who have parked inappropriately in private car parks, such as those owned by large retailers.
Such offences could include double parking, staying over time or parking while not being a customer of the shop.
But Minister Durkan expressed concern today that private car parking operators’ firms "squeeze every penny of profit out of the drivers while not best demonstrating the penalties for inappropriate parking".
Addressing the matter in the Assembly today, Mr Durkan said: "The rights of the car park owners and shoppers need to be respected. I do not dispute that and am all for action to ensure it. However, that action has got be reasonable and fair. Putting up small warning signs that motorists may not see is not in my opinion fair. An objective to squeeze every last penny out of motorists is not fair. Motorists not being given the opportunity to appeal, is not fair.
"So I want to see much better regulation of those handing out car parking fines. The British Parking Association have a Code of Practice. It includes visible, uniformed staff, clear visible signs on entrance to the car park, and non threatening penalty notices for enforcement. I am concerned that these guidelines are not being adhered to.
"I am also concerned that motorists have no right of appeal. There should definitely be some platform for them to explain their actions, if unreasonably charged."
The Minister said he would be meeting soon with Stephen Hammond, Minister in Department for Transport in London, address the issues.
(IT/CD)
The Department has pointed out that the DOE’s Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has to provide information on drivers who have parked inappropriately in private car parks, such as those owned by large retailers.
Such offences could include double parking, staying over time or parking while not being a customer of the shop.
But Minister Durkan expressed concern today that private car parking operators’ firms "squeeze every penny of profit out of the drivers while not best demonstrating the penalties for inappropriate parking".
Addressing the matter in the Assembly today, Mr Durkan said: "The rights of the car park owners and shoppers need to be respected. I do not dispute that and am all for action to ensure it. However, that action has got be reasonable and fair. Putting up small warning signs that motorists may not see is not in my opinion fair. An objective to squeeze every last penny out of motorists is not fair. Motorists not being given the opportunity to appeal, is not fair.
"So I want to see much better regulation of those handing out car parking fines. The British Parking Association have a Code of Practice. It includes visible, uniformed staff, clear visible signs on entrance to the car park, and non threatening penalty notices for enforcement. I am concerned that these guidelines are not being adhered to.
"I am also concerned that motorists have no right of appeal. There should definitely be some platform for them to explain their actions, if unreasonably charged."
The Minister said he would be meeting soon with Stephen Hammond, Minister in Department for Transport in London, address the issues.
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2016
Christmas Lights To Be Switched On In Belfast
Traffic diversions will be put in place during the Christmas lights switch-on which is taking place in Belfast on Saturday, 19 November. Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Donegall Square West, Chichester Street and Donegall Place will be closed between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
Christmas Lights To Be Switched On In Belfast
Traffic diversions will be put in place during the Christmas lights switch-on which is taking place in Belfast on Saturday, 19 November. Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Donegall Square West, Chichester Street and Donegall Place will be closed between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
21 August 2006
NCP awarded contract to enforce parking restrictions
The government has today announced the National Car Parks Ltd (NCP) has been awarded the contract for enforcing parking restrictions in Northern Ireland. This will allow the transfer of responsibility for parking enforcement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to the Department for Regional Development, in the Autumn.
NCP awarded contract to enforce parking restrictions
The government has today announced the National Car Parks Ltd (NCP) has been awarded the contract for enforcing parking restrictions in Northern Ireland. This will allow the transfer of responsibility for parking enforcement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to the Department for Regional Development, in the Autumn.
09 October 2019
Stormont Allocated £31.4m For No-Deal Prep
Northern Ireland's Department of Finance received £31.4 million from the UK Government in August to facilitate plans for a no-deal Brexit, it's been revealed. A total of £2.1 billion was allocated by the Treasury for such preparations across the UK.
Stormont Allocated £31.4m For No-Deal Prep
Northern Ireland's Department of Finance received £31.4 million from the UK Government in August to facilitate plans for a no-deal Brexit, it's been revealed. A total of £2.1 billion was allocated by the Treasury for such preparations across the UK.
19 May 2016
Life Saving Defibrillators Installed In Five Parks Across Belfast
Belfast City Council has installed life-saving defibrillators in five parks across Belfast. The defibrillators, which can be used to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest, have been installed in Victoria Park, Waterworks Park, Boucher Playing Fields, Tullycarnet Park and Fullerton Park.
Life Saving Defibrillators Installed In Five Parks Across Belfast
Belfast City Council has installed life-saving defibrillators in five parks across Belfast. The defibrillators, which can be used to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest, have been installed in Victoria Park, Waterworks Park, Boucher Playing Fields, Tullycarnet Park and Fullerton Park.
14 January 2016
Finance Manager Settles Alleged Sex Discrimination Claim For £50,000
A finance manager, who was made redundant after she returned to work following maternity leave, has settled an alleged sex discrimination claim against her employer for £50,000. Ruth Parks took the claim against her employer Noonan Services Group with the support of the Equality Commission.
Finance Manager Settles Alleged Sex Discrimination Claim For £50,000
A finance manager, who was made redundant after she returned to work following maternity leave, has settled an alleged sex discrimination claim against her employer for £50,000. Ruth Parks took the claim against her employer Noonan Services Group with the support of the Equality Commission.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
