Northern Ireland Fines: Firms Accused of Illegal Enforcement

Elderly Woman’s Victory Highlights Misapplication of English Laws

A controversial practice of UK-based firms aggressively pursuing fines for traffic offences in Northern Ireland, using legislation not applicable to the region, has been exposed.

Aggressive Tactics Exposed

Companies operating at locations such as George Best Belfast City Airport and other public amenities have been using threatening tactics, including legal action and escalating penalties, to enforce fines. These firms, often appointed by car park operators, are reportedly applying laws that are only enforceable in England and Wales.

Near Five-Month Battle Against Unlawful Demands

The disparity came to light following a protracted struggle by 81-year-old June Bowers. She had been issued a £100 fine for an alleged parking infraction at the City Airport. Her appeals were rejected by Sheffield-based Vehicle Control Services (VCS), which then added a £70 levy and threatened legal action.

Mrs Bowers, who has poor health, was not driving the car at the time. The vehicle was collecting passengers for a funeral in Belfast.

Joe Bowers, her husband and a veteran trade unionist, decried the “intimidating behaviour” directed at his wife.

“I think it’s outrageous how these companies intimidate people into paying these fines, we have discovered that, certainly in our case there was no legal requirement to pay.”

—Joe Bowers

He highlighted that VCS’s demands were based on laws that do not apply in Northern Ireland.

“Outrageous” Industry Practices

The firm subsequently sold the alleged debt to Debt Recovery Plus, further escalating pressure on Mrs Bowers.

“These private companies seem to be completely unaccountable they are very aggressive in their approach, it’s a form of intimidation,” Joe Bowers stated. He suspects many individuals are pressured into paying fines they do not legally owe.

The law in England and Wales obliges ticket recipients to identify the driver, a requirement absent in Northern Ireland. Without knowing the driver’s identity, ticket companies cannot legally enforce fixed penalties.

Call for Regulation

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has called for enhanced oversight of private firms issuing fines. He noted that alleged violations often stem from flawed camera evidence or registration systems.

Durkan has written to the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, inquiring about the possibility of new legislation for private parking firms in Northern Ireland. According to the Department for Infrastructure, there are no specific laws for privately owned car parks, nor immediate plans to introduce them.

The Minister indicated that while her department handles on-street parking, private car park operations and their enforcement companies fall outside its remit. However, she confirmed that organisations requesting driver details must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association, adhering to codes of practice.

A recent report by the Financial Conduct Authority found that private parking firms generated over £1 billion in revenue in 2022 from parking charge notices across the UK (BBC News, 2023).

Belfast City Airport has been contacted for comment.