New rules to clamp down on cowboy parking companies after one firm tried to fine a dead person

Another firm tried fining a woman too short to read the signs
The rules are expected to include a new code of conduct
PA Archive/PA Images
Martin Coulter3 February 2018

New rules are set to be introduced in a clampdown on cowboy parking companies after one attempted to fine someone who died after leaving their vehicle unattended.

MPs backed proposals on Friday that would force all private parking companies to sign up to a government-backed code of conduct.

The new code is expected to force operators to limit the penalties issued to motorists and introduce a better appeals system, accord to The Times.

It is also thought it would ban some firms from obtaining drivers' details via the DVLA.

Yvonne Fovargue, the shadow communities minister, told the House of Commons: "One of the examples I've received was of somebody who parked in a car park, went shopping and unfortunately they died when they were out shopping.

"However, they got a parking charge on their car ... and their relations were chased by a parking company for the parking fine."

Sir Greg Knight, the Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, shared the story of a 69-year-old woman who was given a £70 fine for parking too long at a supermarket car park.

"[She] is 5ft tall and the small signs in this case were mounted so high that she initially did not even see them."

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