DVLA Could Block Private Parking Fines with Proposed Ban on Driver Data Sharing

UK drivers could soon see an end to private parking fines as the DVLA considers banning the sharing of vehicle-keeper details with third-party parking companies.

Currently, despite driver information and car registration plates being classified as personal data, the DVLA is permitted to release this information to companies that can demonstrate a reasonable cause for requesting it.

However, following a wave of complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), there are growing concerns over the sale of driver details to private parking operators, and a major shake-up of parking regulations is now being considered.

Government Plans Major Review of Private Parking Rules

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, confirmed that a government consultation will be launched this year to review parking fees, charges, and data-sharing practices.

“We understand the frustrations that motorists face and the complexities they deal with in dealing with private parking,” she said.

**”We want to strike a balance between ensuring that parking charges and debt recovery fees are at a reasonable level and allowing parking operators to manage car parks effectively.

“We are planning to launch a consultation—I am not going to say ‘in due course’—during this year, which will include options for capping charges and debt recovery fees.”**

If the DVLA stops sharing driver details, private parking companies would lose access to crucial information, potentially making it impossible for them to issue fines.

Why Has the DVLA Been Sharing Driver Details?

According to a Carwow investigation, the DVLA shared 32 million vehicle-keeper details with third parties in the 2021/22 financial year, generating a staggering £23.9 million in gross income from selling this data.

Under Regulation 27(1)(e) of the Road Vehicle (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002, the DVLA is legally permitted to provide registered keeper information in certain circumstances.

The DVLA maintains that it follows data protection laws and that its release of personal data does not require the consent of the vehicle keeper.

Will Private Parking Fines Stop?

For now, drivers should remain cautious, as parking companies will still be able to access driver details and issue fines while the consultation is ongoing. However, if the government moves forward with changes to data-sharing rules, it could severely impact private parking enforcement in the UK.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the consultation progresses.