Private parking companies in the Newry and Armagh have been branded ‘predatory’ for their practices in obtaining fines.
Justin McNulty MLA has called for the Stormont Executive to “put a muzzle” on the companies and act in the interests of local people.
“People come through the doors of my office every day highly distressed as a result of the heavy handed and thuggish letters they are receiving from private parking companies,” said Mr McNulty.
“Time and again, I have seen elderly and vulnerable people reduced to tears because they are receiving solicitors’ letters, or threats of debt collection, for fines that, quite often, are completely erroneous.
“The law in the North is quite clear. If you believe that you receive a parking fine in error, you are entitled to appeal it and ask the private company to provide evidence that you were driving the car at the time.
“If they cannot provide the evidence, the fine must be dropped. It’s as simple as that.
“Private parking companies are running amok and causing unnecessary hardship for hard working people. It’s time the Executive put a muzzle on these companies.”
