The Association of British Drivers (www.abd.org.uk) might offer some constructive opposition to the misleadingly named ‘Protection of Freedoms Bill.’ The ABD tries very hard but is often dismissed as a bunch of fanatics and speed freaks (which it is not). Neil Gregg at The Institute of Advanced Motorists may also want to get involved (www.abd.org.uk).

Our legal adviser had a very good idea about this: “The only way to deal with the private parking companies is to make them pay £10 (rather than £2.50) for each access to the DVLA vehicle register and use the revenue raised to pay for an independent but legally-binding appeals process along the lines of PATAS whereby the frivolous challenger also gets hit for a much higher fee if they lose. Standard parking charge to parking company of £40. Free right of innocent to challenge but with £140 payable if tribunal finds it is a frivolous challenge divided £90 to parking company/landowner and £50 tribunal costs. Entire process needs to be on paper - ie no hearing and any appeal against tribunal finding needs to be cost-prohibitive - around £300.”