Andy Burnham Pledges New Rules to Halt 'Rip-Off' Private Parking Penalties

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced plans to introduce stringent new regulations targeting private parking operators, aiming to end 'rip-off charges' currently levied on motorists. The move follows widespread criticism that penalties issued on private land are disproportionate and exploit drivers.

Under the proposed framework, which Burnham aims to bring into effect within his mayoral powers, private companies would face caps on penalty amounts and clearer guidelines for enforcement. This initiative seeks to bring private parking practices closer to the standards applied by local authorities, where appeals processes are more robust and fines less punitive.

Burnham's office stated that the current system allows private operators to issue charges that often amount to several times the actual parking tariff, with minimal recourse for drivers who make minor infringements. This policy shift is positioned as a consumer protection measure, addressing a frequent source of public frustration and financial strain for residents across Greater Manchester.