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Ticketers 'conning' drivers after rule change

26/02/2010

Motoring group the AA has warned that rogue car-parking enforcement companies are "conning" drivers into thinking they can legitimately trace their details through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The claim comes following a rule change that came into force this week, meaning that only those companies which are registered as approved operators by the British Parking Association may resolve addresses through the DVLA.

According to the AA, some "cowboy" businesses that are unregistered with the trade association are ignoring the new rules which govern operators' ability to follow-up on tickets. These firms have been threatening to find drivers' details, unless they receive swift payment for the supposed infraction.

The motoring group is advising those who have received a ticket to check the name of the company against the list of approved operators, and to report them to Trading Standards if they are not registered.

It suggests that in such a case it is up to the individual whether they decide to pay the fine or not, depending on whether they believe it was reasonably issued. Factors to consider, the AA emphasises, include the manner of the infringement the ticket alleges, how proportionate the fine is, and how adequate the signs are warning that the land is private.

AA head of public affairs Paul Watters said: "These companies depend on drivers paying the ticket quickly to avoid fuss and because they are intimidated by the threat of being chased by debt collectors who have been given the owner's home address by the DVLA.

"Drivers will have to make their own decisions whether they admit breaking parking rules and paying fines.

"We hope that cowboy firms will either be pressured into giving up, or signing up to and complying with the approved operator scheme."

Last month the Home Office announced that the Government was looking to establish an appeals tribunal system for motorists who believe they have been wronged by clampers.

The prospective legislation, part of the Crime and Security Bill that is currently making its way through Parliament, could force clampers to pay back excessive fees, and even award compensation to victims.

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