Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham Pledges End to Exploitative Private Parking Charges

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced plans to abolish 'rip-off' private parking charges, asserting that a new regulatory framework will standardise penalties to mirror those issued by local councils. The proposal seeks to address widespread grievances from motorists who contend that private parking fines are excessively harsh and frequently disproportionate.

New Rules and Enforcement

Under the prospective changes, private parking operators would be compelled to adhere to a stricter code of practice, with fines capped at the same level as council-issued penalty charge notices. This move aims to eliminate the substantial financial discrepancies currently seen, where private companies often levy significantly higher charges.

Mr Burnham emphasised that the current system allows private firms to operate with insufficient oversight, leading to what many perceive as exploitative practices. The proposed framework would introduce independent adjudication for disputes, offering motorists a more equitable avenue to challenge unfair penalties. The initiative underscores a broader effort to safeguard consumers from predatory business models within the parking industry.