Wrexham residents are being encouraged to take part in a recently extended consultation that could lead to stricter rules around how private car park companies operate.

Two Members of Senedd Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates have been encouraging residents, to take part.

They have been looking into complaints about “unfair” fines handed out at the Island Green car park in Wrexham, run by Euro Car Parks.

Despite managing to get some overturned, the Labour pair say they remain frustrated.

Now they are hoping that the UK Government consultation will lead to new legislation which will clamp down on unscrupulous practices within the industry.

Ms Griffiths, MS for Wrexham, said: “Parking at Island Green Shopping Centre has been problematic for years but the issue of suspect private parking operators issuing unfair fines to shoppers and, in turn, negatively impacting businesses is not just a Wrexham issue – it is happening in towns and cities right across the UK.

“This consultation could be the beginning of the end for these unprincipled companies and I hope people make their voices heard.

“Our long-running dispute with Euro Car Parks shows no sign of stopping and in spite of the challenges, Ken Skates MS and I will continue to explore every avenue available to help improve the situation for the people of Wrexham.”

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “I hope that if enough people respond to this consultation, UK Ministers will have no choice but to significantly tighten up the rules and close the loopholes which allow these sharks to operate with impunity and issue unfair fines to shoppers."

The Private Parking Code of Practice Impact Assessment, published by the UK Government, states: “Since 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of parking charges issued by private parking operators, measured by the number of requests for vehicle keeper details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

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“Linked to this, there are concerns from consumer groups, MPs, and the public highlighting a range of poor practices and behaviours within the sector that the current system of self-regulation has not adequately dealt with. This has created additional costs and stress for drivers and registered vehicle keepers that are often not justified. 

“Given the current system of self-regulation does not appear to be working in addressing these issues, it is necessary to introduce a new Code of Practice to ensure that the system is fair for drivers and registered vehicle keepers. This is also considered justified on equity grounds where unfair outcomes impact certain (for example, more vulnerable) groups disproportionately.”

Euro Car parks were approached for comment.

The full report can be read on the UK Government website. The email address to respond to is parking@levellingup.gov.uk and the consultation has been extended to October 8.