Former fraud squad officer says parking companies are ‘extorting’ motorists

Private parking companies are extorting motorists, according to a former fraud squad officer.

The former police officer, who asked not to be named, contacted The Courier after reading a catalogue of stories about motorists claiming to have been ripped off.

He said: “They’ve taken something that sounds quite reasonable, being able to charge a bit of money to park on private land, and have turned it into a hive of harassment and extortion.”

The ex-officer had advice for anyone battling private parking charges.

He said: “Contact the company issuing the ticket and explain you were not the one driving the car when it was parked, even if you were. They will ask for the true identity of the person driving, you respond you do not wish to give that information.

“They will be unable to proceed and cannot send you more letters.

“Those concerned about the DVLA divulging their data can email the DVLA’s data sharing team.”