Scotland’s Transport minister has been urged to crack down on private parking firms during a meeting with a local MSP.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has met with Humza Yousaf, to discuss the future of legislation on the controversial firms.
He has also raised the possibility that he could introduce a Member’s Bill — proposed legislation from an ordinary MSP — at Parliament.
The Scottish Conservative MSP has spent the last two years campaigning against private parking operators after being deluged by complaints about Smart Parking, which operates locations in Perth city centre.
During the meeting, Mr Fraser discussed the possibility of regulation to cap fines, introduce an independent appeals service, a single binding code of conduct and standardised signage.
Mr Fraser said: “Private parking companies have got away with it for far too long, it’s time to bring in clearer and tighter regulations that ensure that parking is fair and transparent.
“The Scottish Government have been helpful and it was good to meet with Humza to get an idea of their perspective and to know that regulation via legislation is not off the table. I also welcome their work towards creating a binding single code of conduct in Scotland.
“I am seriously considering a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament aimed at curbing current industry practices which are not in the interest of motorists, and I will look to gather evidence on this over the coming months.”
Mr Yousaf said: “It is clear that the public is concerned about the operations of some private parking companies and we are working with the industry and other interested parties to develop a code of practice to address some of these issues.
“Once this is implemented we will undertake a review after the first full year of operation to consider whether further action, which could include legislation, is necessary to provide fairness for motorists.
“I want to thank Murdo Fraser for the constructive way in which he has approached this issue and I will continue to keep him updated on our future plans.”
A spokesman for Smart Parking said: “We have, publicly, long supported the establishment of an independent appeals service in Scotland.
“In addition, Smart Parking, as members of the BPA, is fully aware that the BPA is also lobbying and is working with them to secure this change.”
Smart Parking operates two sites in Perth city centre – Watergate and the Kinnoull Street multi-storey – and formerly ran one on Mill Street.
High-tech cameras and machines at each site capture cars entering and motorists are required to enter their vehicle registration when paying at machines that do not accept cards or bank notes.
Hundreds of drivers have fallen foul of the firm, including for underpayments of as little as 10p or minor errors in entering their vehicle registration number, resulting in them receiving initial demands for £60 a time.
One couple were even locked in the Kinnoull Street multi-storey, despite arriving at the exit before the midnight closing time, after the attending staff member drove away.
