The Government is considering a £40 cap on private parking penalties under measures to combat “aggressive tactics” used by rogue operators. Ministers also propose providing all drivers with a ten-minute grace period after parking sessions expire before companies can levy a penalty, which would bring private firms into line with rules employed by councils. Private parking companies levied almost nine million penalties on motorists in the last financial year, a rise of a quarter in 12 months.

As many Bath motorists have found over the years that some rouge firms targeting unsuspecting visitors, this is a welcome move as it imposes more control and stops some ruthless practices.