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Labour is accused of 'surrendering' to 'cowboy' parking firms after ministers rejected a lower £80 cap on tickets

Private parking operators issued 16.9 million tickets in the year to March — one every two seconds — a 96.5 per cent rise since 2021/22.
Private parking operators issued 16.9 million tickets in the year to March — one every two seconds — a 96.5 per cent rise since 2021/22.

The £100 cap on private parking fines that ministers heralded as a reform was already the existing limit. According to the Government's own impact assessment, ministers turned down a reduction to £80, even after being advised it could 'benefit' drivers. That choice could leave motorists out of pocket by as much as £1.6 billion. Greg Smith, the Tory shadow transport minister, said 'Labour must think we're fools' over the overhaul.

Ministers also declined to require a 50 per cent discount for drivers who pay within 14 days.

Drivers must still appeal to two bodies funded by the parking firms themselves.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to stop motorists being 'ripped off' by the industry.

MoreDaily MailBritain's biggest 'cowboy' parking firms revealed as they rake in £537MILLION every year - as government announces new rights for drivers to challenge unfair chargesThe TelegraphParking fines crackdown may push up costs for drivers - The TelegraphDaily Mail NewsLabour accused of 'surrendering' to private parking firms as it emerges ministers rejected bringing in a lower cap on tickets, costing drivers up to £1.6 billion
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