Fresh Labour U-turn as plans to cut private parking firm fines from £100 to £50 axed in blow to motorists
The AA accused ministers of 'bending the knee to private parking firms ' after they diluted proposals aimed at reforming the sector to safeguard drivers.
What was initially a plan to cap fines at £50 has now been scrapped, retaining the current £100 penalty instead.
In a further blow to motorists, ministers propose allowing firms to charge up to £70 merely for sending reminder letters demanding payment.
The AA also condemned suggestions that drivers could face £20 fines for breaching parking rules, even in life-or-death situations.
The reforms were unveiled for public consultation on Friday, addressing not only price caps but also proposals to standardise parking signage and charge notices.
It comes as the number of parking charges issued has soared to record levels.
Firms made 12.8 million vehicle keeper requests last year, marking an astonishing 673 per cent rise since 2012.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: 'This long-awaited consultation will not please drivers and suggests that government is bending the knee to the private parking industry.
'We urge all drivers to complete the consultation and submit their views and experiences when dealing with private parking firms.
'If government can understand the depth of contempt drivers hold against some of these shark-like businesses, maybe it will do more to help innocent drivers."
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris insisted: 'From shopping on your local high street to visiting a loved one in hospital, parking is part of everyday life.
Drivers warned to beware of common parking scam
'But too many people are being unfairly penalised.'
'That's why our Code will tackle misleading tactics and confusing processes, bringing vital oversight and transparency to raise standards across the board.'
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