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Is the Protection of Freedoms Bill likely to become a major political issue?
Thank you for your reply to my e-mail about Clause 56 of the Protection of Freedoms Bill concerning private parking penalties and for your comments on the letter sent to me by Eric Pickles that I copied to you. Also I would like to thank you for pointing out that this is your campaign and not that of the Daily Telegraph. I would say that this is not obvious, I suppose despite what you say, the editor is allowing you a lot of space to progress your arguments in this regard, which can only be a good thing. As far as I can see the Establishment, which of course include the DT, don’t see the tsunami wave of pent-up resentment which is coming their way if this matter of fleecing the motorist when parking privately but injudiciously is not dealt with equitably. We shall see if it really becomes a political issue - if so the government will be on the back foot trying to defend their poorly structured policies.
Asked on 21 January 2012 by DA, via email
Answered by
Honest John
I think you can be reasonably certain of that. If the government takes away the right to clamp cars from a bunch of scoundrels, then gives some of the same people much wider powers to extort money from motorists then we will see huge resentment build up.
Happily, there will be some control. The British Parking Association is in the process of setting up an independent appeals system that will be in place by the time the Act becomes Law in October. You can find the BPA Code of Practice at: www.britishparking.co.uk/Approved-Operator-Scheme-...e . The BPA has requested that if I receive further complaints that I feel are justified, I should ask them to register their concern at www.britishparking.co.uk/AOS-Enquiries
Happily, there will be some control. The British Parking Association is in the process of setting up an independent appeals system that will be in place by the time the Act becomes Law in October. You can find the BPA Code of Practice at: www.britishparking.co.uk/Approved-Operator-Scheme-...e . The BPA has requested that if I receive further complaints that I feel are justified, I should ask them to register their concern at www.britishparking.co.uk/AOS-Enquiries
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