The ABC Asks MP Questions About Parking Companies and Data Protection

PARKING COWBOYS - Our Colchester MP Will Quince (Cons.) is taking up an interesting matter on our behalf regarding private parking companies - as an example, Parking Eye Limited.

We are asking if merely parking in a parking space managed by a private company … does that mean we have consented for the Company or the hotel whose car park they manage…for them to use our data for ‘marketing purposes’ as an example?

Many supermarkets are using cameras to track customers, but does use a car park to go shopping or visit a hotel mean we have really ‘consented’ to have our data used in this manner? What if we have had no opportunity to read the Terms and Conditions on the Company’s website.

Companies who do this are assuming an awful lot. People are concerned about who has their data and how it is used. In the digital world maintaining privacy is getting harder and harder.

We also want to stop the practice where companies like Parking Eye Limited issue Court summons but do not pay a fee. Motorists can feel intimidated by a court action that the company may not proceed with..if they feel the motorist cannot afford to pay or is going to put up a fight. Private parking companies cannot fine people, they can only sue the motorist for breach of contract. 

Image: Will Quince MP (Colchester. Cons).

We are looking into this matter and we hope to have more information in time. Well done to our MP for taking forward these interesting points. 

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