Louise Haigh MP submits evidence on behalf of constituents to Government’s consultation on private parking code of practice

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, has submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation into private parking practices, raising concerns after years of complaints from local residents about unfair and excessive fines.

The consultation, launched in July and closing on 5 September, invites the public to share views on the Government’s proposed new Code of Practice for the private parking industry. The new code is intended to raise standards across the sector, with measures to ensure clearer signage, fairer charges, and stronger protections for motorists appealing fines.

In her submission, Louise highlighted the extortionate fines that some operators charge, the inadequate signage that operators use and the methods they choose to use in recovering fines via debt collection agencies.

Louise has consistently challenged poor practice in the private parking sector. She previously took action against Sheffield-based Excel Parking Services, which fined drivers £100 or more for failing to download an app within five minutes of arriving at a car park. Earlier this year, she also condemned Excel Parking after figures published by the Department for Business and Trade revealed the company had failed to pay £3,125 in wages to 14 workers, leaving each more than £220 short of their legal entitlement.

The MP has also intervened in cases involving the privately run Costa/KFC car park in Woodseats, where local people were repeatedly hit with fines of up to £100. After visiting the site and raising the issue of inadequate signage with the operator, Louise secured improvements to ensure fairer treatment of drivers.

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:

“For years I’ve heard from constituents who have been hit with unfair and excessive private parking fines. These practices cause huge stress and financial pressure for local people while private firms rake in profits.

“It’s disgraceful that companies like Excel Parking are not only profiteering from unfair charges but have also been caught underpaying their staff. That tells you everything about where their priorities lie.

“This is why I’ve submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation, to make sure the voices of Sheffield residents are heard. The proposed measures, such as caps on unfair fines, mandatory grace periods, and clearer signage, are a step in the right direction, but they must be enforced robustly to put an end to these exploitative practices.”