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.
Advertisement
What was initially a plan to
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
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Most read in Motors
'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.'
Advertisement
1
A plan to cap parking fines at £50 has now been scrapped, retaining the current £100 penalty instead
Credit: Getty
Everything you need to know about parking
Can I get
Do I have to pay a
Can I be fined if your
Is
How do I
Can you
How can I
Can I reserve the
How close
Is
Can I park on a single yellow line?
Can I be fined for
Can I use
Who is allowed to
Where can I
Can I be fined if the
How close can I
Am I allowed to
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Ireland's social media regulator gives X extra time to clarify child safety rules
Elon Musk-owned X asked Ireland's media regulator to extend its deadline for the social media giant to clarify how it is keeping children safe on its platform. Coimisiún na Meán confirmed to the Irish Examiner that X had requested extra time to respond to its statutory notice seeking information on how it will comply with specific sections of the Online Safety Code. Having originally been asked to provide this information by July 22 or risk facing 'criminal liability', a new deadline of August 8 has been set. Crucially, this new deadline comes after the High Court is set to rule on a judicial review taken by X challenging what it has called the "regulatory overreach' from Coimisiún na Meán in how it proposes to hold big tech companies to account. X has asked the court to overturn the decision to apply the Online Safety Code to its platform. The decision in that judicial review is set to be delivered on July 25. Elon Musk's X now has until August to clarify how it is keeping children safe online. File picture: AP Photo/Michel Euler The regulator has fully contested the case, and has said the code is aimed at keeping people, especially children, safe online. The Online Safety Code sets binding rules on major platforms that also include Facebook and YouTube to prohibit harmful content like cyberbullying, racism, or incitement to hatred. It also makes it incumbent on platforms to have robust age assurance such as verifying a passport photo to prevent children from seeing pornography or gratuitous violence online, as 'merely asking users whether they are over 18 will not be enough'. Coimisiún na Meán says its code — which fully comes into effect this month — fits in with broader European legislation aimed at protecting people online, with big firms such as Meta, YouTube and TikTok obliged to adhere to its rules. Last month, the regulator wrote to X asking it to explain how it is complying with the code. 'Under Part A of the Code designated platforms must establish and operate age verification systems for users with respect to content which may impair physical, mental, or moral development of minors,' it said. 'For the purposes of Part A, the term 'age verification' includes effective age assurance measures including age estimation. 'Information provided by X so far is not sufficient to assess whether X's current measures are sufficient to protect children using the service. An Coimisiún is therefore using its statutory powers to seek further information.' The regulator said it would review the response from X if it has complied with part A of the code and determine if further action should be taken. Facing criminal liability If X does not respond, it said it could face a 'criminal liability, including a fine of up to €500,000'. If it is eventually found that X has breached its obligations under the Online Safety Code, it can be fined up to €20m or 10% of its turnover. A spokesperson for Coimisiún na Méan said: 'In June, [we] issued a statutory Information Notice to X Internet Unlimited Company, the provider of the platform X, with an obligation to respond by July 22, 2025. 'X have since requested an extension to this deadline and this request has been granted by An Coimisiún with a new deadline of August 8, 2025.' Read More US tariff announcement is deeply regrettable, Simon Harris says
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Sporting chief warns Arsenal target Victor Gyokeres he faces huge backlash for strike action – then hints he could STAY
SPORTING CLUB president Frederico Varandas has told Viktor Gyokeres he will be fined and made to apologise to his teammates after the striker failed to report to pre-season training. Gyokeres, 27, went AWOL as he tries to force through a move to Advertisement 7 Sporting Club president Frederico Varandas has told Viktor Gyokeres he will be fined and made to apologise for going AWOL Credit: Getty 7 Viktor Gyokeres has gone on strike to try and force through a move to Arsenal Credit: Getty Arsenal have Gyokeres has Arsenal are said to have already surpassed this fee in negotiations, but President Varandas has insisted that the club remains "calm" about Gyokeres' future and are willing to sit out the window and keep the Swede at the club if their valuation isn't met. Advertisement READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS He told Portuguese outlet "f they [interested clubs] don't want to pay fair market value for Viktor, we are very comfortable with that for the next three years [the length of his contract].' Varandas went on to claim that Gyokeres' strike action isn't putting the club under any pressure to sell. He added: "If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to facilitate the exit, they are not only completely wrong but are also making the player's exit even more complicated. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 7 Varandas' stubborn stance could scupper Mikel Arteta's transfer plans Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'No one is above the club's interests, whoever they may be.' Arsenal are thought to still be in advanced talks with Sporting over the transfer but, for now, Advertisement Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he 'likes London' amid Arsenal transfer links The Gunners have been chasing a new front-man all summer and appear to have landed on Gyokeres as their priority. The Swedish international has Speaking to L'Equipe, he said: 'I'm definitely one of them. "I am at the same table as them now. What I have managed to do at Sporting, I am convinced I can achieve anywhere. Advertisement 'You haven't seen the best of me yet.' Gyokeres scored 54 goals and registered 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last season. Those figures mean the talismanic bagsman scored more goals than any other player across Europe's top 10 leagues last term. Despite going on strike, Gyokeres has remained coy on his future publicly. Advertisement When asked about a summer move, he said: "Maybe. That's football, you never know. I don't think about it, we'll see what happens. 7 'The most important thing for me is to just play for a club that really wants me.' Advertisement Gyokeres - who has had interest from a host of clubs, including And the striker is hoping he can prove that he is good enough to make it in the Premier League after failing to make a Prem appearance during a two year stint on the books at Brighton. He said: "It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe. 'I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. Advertisement 'So, of course, it's something I'd like to do. It would be great revenge." 7 7 7 Advertisement
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Aldi's new tech range launches TODAY – including ‘ingenious' £5 gadget that will keep pets fed & watered while on hols
ALDI'S new tech range has launched today - with an 'ingenious' £5 gadget to help keep pets fed and watered while on holiday. The supermarket's brand new Life Hacks range is designed for simple solutions in daily tasks. 3 Aldi's new Pet Auto Waterer or Feeder Credit: Aldi 3 The device makes sure animals get their sustenance while owners are away Credit: Getty Aldi's brand new tech range Stock in this range is limited, as it is part of Aldi's Specialbuys programme. This includes the Pet Auto Waterer or Feeder, which comes in at £5.99 altogether. It uses auto-gravity design with non-slip rubber bases to ensure pets remain fed and hydrated while owners are away. Conversely, the Robot Vacuum Cleaner is the most expensive, at £99.99. Read more on Tech The flashy device combines suction, sweeping and mopping functions. This tech can be controlled through a smartphone app - and is also compatible with Google, Alexa and Siri voice assistants. Users can activate the device through voice command, as well as schedule cleaning sessions remotely. Aldi described the Robot Vacuum Cleaner as "the ultimate cleaning hack for busy bees with limited time for the everyday burdens." Most read in Tech Priced at £29.99, the Smart Kettle can be switched on remotely from bed - thanks to control via Bluetooth and WiFi. It also boasts impressive temperature control from 40°C to 100°C, along with a "keep warm" capability. Beloved grocery chain 'better than Costco' to open new store as part of expansion after buying closed Winn-Dixie site The Life Hacks range also includes a Wireless Charging Clock for £14.99 and a Mini Thermal Printer from £9.99. Rounding it out are a Smart Adapter and Fake Safe Assortment, each priced at £6.99. Aldi also launched a bedding bargain Elsewhere, the supermarket is selling a £15 bedroom essential intended to keep you cool during warm nights. Aldi's Always Cool Duvet hits shelves from July 10 and is available in a double size for £14.99 and king size for £16.99. The 4.5 tog polyester duvet is designed with moisture-wicking technology to absorb sweat and help to regulate body heat for a The product can be found in Aldi 's middle aisle, and comes as Brits are set to sizzle in It's also a whopping £38 cheaper than John Lewis' summer duvet. The retailer's Climate Control Duvet, which is also 4.5 tog and uses similar sweat-wicking technology , costs £55 for a king size. 3 The new Life Hacks range also includes a robot vacuum cleaner Credit: Aldi
