I write this petition from a place of personal concern and growing frustration about the current state of private parking enforcement companies. I am personally affected by the seemingly unregulated practices of these companies which impose arbitrary rules and excessive fees at their discretion.

To give you a personal example, I recently received a PCN from Horizon Parking for 'queuing' (not parking) in traffic while waiting at a shopping centre McDonalds drive through. This is totally unacceptable! After appealing twice and being rejected on both occasions, I fully intend to follow this through court if they decide to pursue it.

 It is high time we take concerted action to address these discrepancies.

It is worth noting that private parking tickets, known as Parking Charge Notices, are not backed by law. Unlike council-issued Penalty Charge Notices, non-payment of a private ticket does not constitute a criminal offence (source: RAC). Nonetheless, unsuspecting motorists often feel compelled to pay due to escalating threats and strong-arm tactics. Furthermore, it appears the current appeals process is weighted heavily in favour of these private parking firms, leaving motorists virtually powerless.

According to a report by the RAC Foundation, 19,000 motorists a day, or 570,000 every month, are estimated to receive these private parking tickets, which constitutes an alarming figure (source: RAC Foundation). These unregulated practices directly impact a significant percentage of the population, and it is clearly an issue that requires urgent national attention.

By signing this petition, we call upon the relevant authorities to implement stricter regulations on private parking enforcement companies, ensuring they are accountable for their rules and fees. Furthermore, we demand a transparent and fair appeals process, providing motorists with a reliable means of disputing unjust fines.

ESPECIALLY for those affected in the following areas:

Public services (NHS - Hospital car parks) / education sector  (school, colleges and universities) / charitable organisations etc. where parking should be reduced fees or zero cost.

Let's also campaign for reasonably 'capped' penalty fees (based on regional location) to reflect the economic state of the nation so that private enforcement companies cannot impose their own fees. 

The government should introduce a capped and sliding penalty scheme that private companies must adhere to, that fairly reflects the seriousness of an offence. Such as 25% of the full penalty (paid within 14 days) for minor offences, such as being up to 10 minutes late or a fist time offence at a location, usually unfamiliar to the driver. They have successfully implemented a first time offence waiver for the Dartford Crossing (DART Charge).

Join me in calling for fairness and reform. Please, sign this petition today.