Private parking firms could be “banned” from accessing DVLA databases to issue unfair fines to motorists as part of a major rules shake-up.
Labour spokesperson Lord Speller questioned whether businesses should be “cut off” from systems to protect motorists from hefty fees.
Officials are also set to look into capping charges and debt recovery fees while also cracking down on unfair treatment.
It came after a House of Lords debate on how the Government intends to regulate car parking companies and charges slapped on motorists.
Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, stressed politicians were looking at “all possible ways to give motorists the best protection and support”.
She added: “We want to strike a balance between ensuring that parking charges and debt recovery fees are at a reasonable level and allowing parking operators to manage car parks effectively.
“We are planning to launch a consultation – I am not going to say “in due course”-during this year, which will include options for capping charges and debt recovery fees.”
However, Labour’s Lord Spelan took things further and advocated for a full ban on firms getting access to data until they complied with the rules.
He said: “Does she accept that the industry’s business model depends on access to the Government’s DVLA database?
However, a former Government legislation on private parking is yet to come into force with a consultation expected to launch in the near future.
Rhydian Jones, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance said “more needs to be done” to protect drivers from soaring costs.
He added: “Last year, a new code of conduct was brought in to make rules around private parking tickets fairer for drivers, including reduced fees and a more relaxed appeal system.
“However, it seems that the DVLA might take this one step further, by preventing private parking companies from having access to their database in order to distribute fines to drivers.”
