To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the powers of independent car park enforcement companies to (i) fine the (a) owners; and (b) drivers of cars believed to have exceeded the stated car park usage time in private car parks; and (ii) access data about the owners of cars believed to have exceeded the stated car park usage time in private car parks.

My Department has no responsibility for the operation or management of private car parks nor the enforcement companies that operate within them. As far as I am able to determine there is no legislation which governs these facilities here.

I am advised that the British Parking Association (BPA) maintains an Approved Operator Scheme (AOS). Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks. The Code of Practice can be viewed at: https://www.britishparking.co.uk/write/Documents/AOS/AOS_Code_of_Practice_January_2020_v8(2).pdf

I also understand that the Consumer Protection Team of the Northern Ireland Consumer Council offers advice and assistance on matters relating to private car parks.