Car hire customers ‘could be at risk of rogue traffic wardens’

Car rental customers have been advised to remain vigilant when they find themselves faced with parking fines, as enforcement companies not associated with the British Parking Association are conning people into paying for tickets.

This body is, according to the Automobile Association (AA), the only parking trade authority recognised in the UK and since February 22nd, legitimate traffic wardens alone have been allowed to source addresses from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

However, the AA – which has been in operation since 1905 – noted that rogue enterprises are now taking money off drivers by threatening to use the DVLA to find out where they live.

The organisation has recommended that anyone in receipt of a private parking ticket check the business’s details against the register and, if necessary, report them to Trading Standards.

Head of public affairs with the AA Paul Watters said: "These companies depend on drivers paying the ticket quickly to avoid fuss and because they are intimidated by the threat of being chased by debt collectors."

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