The Department for Communities and Local Government has launched a parking reform public consultation in an attempt to tackle unfair practices.
 
The consultation closes on 27 May. In March 2015 the responsibly relating to off-street parking transferred from the Department for Transport to the DfCaLG. It is asking what policy areas should be a priority for the department in the future.
 
Broadly, the Government is asking for input across two main areas - off-street parking and cash facilities at municipal car parks.

The Government is asking if there are problems with how public and private car parking is regulated. It is also asking for best practice suggestions on how to rectify problems.
 
The consultation will help tackle excessive parking charges, lack of transparency with fines and the appeals process.

The DfCaLG also claimed public concern has been raised at the practice of local councils withdrawing the ability to pay for parking charges by cash. It said it could prevent some people from being able to pay, if for example, they do not own a mobile phone.
 
It is asking whether there should be an obligation for local councils to offer the chance to pay by cash within a close distance, and for examples of best practice approaches to the problem.
 
The public can respond to the consultation by emailing ParkingQueries@communities.gsi.gov.uk or submitting responses via this online form.