HYNDBURN MP Graham Jones is hoping to crack down on ‘rogue’ private parking companies and is calling for a change in the law.

Mr Jones wants action to be taken against companies who are ‘ripping off drivers’ and raised the issue for debate in Parliament.

He also said he has received ‘dozens’ of complaints over the issue at car parks such as the Arndale shopping centre in Accrington.

The British Parking Association said it is easy for people to avoid enforcement if they know their rights.

Mr Jones said: “People have come to me with charges for pretty petty issues.

“People are getting a real fright from these parking charges they are being given.

"They are not statutory fines, they are charges.

“The whole practice needs to be looked in to.

“When are the government going to bring forward legislation to deal with rogue private parking companies and those who rip off British motorists.”

He said the complaints to him have been for issues such as the parking on the line, staying five minutes over the deadline and tickets not displayed clearly.

Lisa Smith, from Accrington, said: “My husband parked at the Arndale Centre and was out of the bay lines slightly because the car next to him was and he got a ticket.”

Catherine Cheeseman, who is also from the town, also saw a £60 fine quickly escalate to £180 with threats of court action at the Arndale Centre.

She said: “I’m still waiting for them to actually do what they threatened from the off and take us to court.

“I took photos of the Arndale signs warning of the three hour limit, which were discrete to say the least.”

A spokesman for the British Parking Association said: “It is very easy to avoid parking enforcement.

"Don’t park where you shouldn’t and pay when you should.

“The vast majority of motorists never receive a parking ticket.

“Additionally when things go wrong there is the opportunity for motorists to appeal to an independent adjudicator, POPLA.”