A shocking report by BBC Watchdog has revealed that the DVLA has been selling drivers names and addresses to car parking companies. It is reported to have made the DVLA a whopping £2.7 million last year alone.
While the selling of the data is legal, the report has discovered that some of the car parking firms in question are somewhat unscrupulous, and have in fact broken the rules devised to keep them in check.
Back in 2009, the DVLA implemented “strict new measures to protect registered keepers against misuse of their details”. All companies requesting names and addresses of registered keepers had to be members of the British Parking Association (BPA) Approved Operator Scheme. Companies who were not members, or compliant with the Code of Practice would be deemed ‘not eligible’ to apply for the data.
It is important to note, as private parking firms do not have any power under the criminal justice system, they are restricted from using the terms ‘fines’ or ‘penalties’ when talking about their fees. They must instead ‘charge’ drivers for parking too long in a particular area, such as a shopping centre.
The parking firms who manage the car parks for places like shopping centres, airports and supermarkets, use the details purchased from the DVLA to chase up drivers who owe them outstanding monies. Some of the companies have since been found to be breaking the DVLA’s rules while following up the debts.
The Watchdog investigation, broadcast tonight, has found that some of BPA members who have used the DVLA data have in fact been using the restricted terms ‘fines’ and ‘penalties’. It is only as a result of the BBC Watchdog investigation that the companies have since changed the terms used.
Not only that, but the operator of a number of airport car parks was recently found to have breached the Code Regulation, by taking three months to respond to a driver’s appeal. The Code clearly outlines that all appeals should be answered within in 14 days. The company has since made an apology, putting the incident down to an administrative error.
The BPA have commented that they do investigate complaints but would urge anyone who feels a parking firm has breached the Code of Practice to flag it to the BPA immediately.
The DVLA have fought back and claim to have made no profits from the sales of the data. They also maintain that any data sold is done so under strict controls to firms who are compliant with the Code of Practice. Any incidents brought to their attention of a firm failing to meet the standards are investigated and appropriate action taken.
Stephen Glaister, RAC Foundation, calls for the government to be the body regulating the private parking industry.
Think Insurance, the specialist motor trade insurance provider, echo these sentiments and would welcome a government Code of Practice to prevent underhand or unscrupulous activities in this industry.