PRIVATE parking companies will no longer be able to dish out eye-watering fines under new laws set to be introduced next year.
Ministers want to cap penalties at the standard rate charged by councils and introduce a new independent appeals system to deal with disputes.
It comes amid widespread concerns that motorists are being ripped off by unscrupulous parking firms – and given little option to complain.
It is understood the Scottish Government will introduce tighter restrictions as part of its Transport (Scotland) Bill, due to come before Holyrood early next year.
Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, who has been pushing for a change in the law, said he has agreed to halt his own Private Member’s Bill after officials assured him it would be covered in the upcoming legislation.
He said: “Cleaning up the rules, creating uniform conditions, maximum penalties and an independent appeals service has the support of the Scottish Government. The Transport Bill offers the quickest route to seeing these plans become reality.
“Ultimately, what matters most is getting the best deal for parkers.”
New measures are believed to include capping fines at £60 – in line with most councils – and introducing an independent appeals process.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is working with our UK counterparts, the parking industry, and other stakeholders on the Parking (Code of Practice) Bill, which seeks to regulate the private parking industry via a single Code of Practice.
“We continue to work with the UK Government and stakeholders to address the unacceptable private parking practices that impact motorists and the industry as a whole.
“We also welcome the opportunities to further explore proposals for an independent appeals service and keeper liability within Scotland and continue to consider whether the Transport Bill is a suitable vehicle for proposals on those issues.”
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