The DVLA could stop private parking fines in their tracks after a proposed  ban in sharing drivers' details.

At the moment, even though driver information and car registration plates are personal data, the DVLA will release keeper information to anyone who can demonstrate reasonable cause for wanting it. 

In recent years there have been a number of complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office about this issue.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, has said that it may now stop as a major shake-up of private car park management is planned. 

"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."

Why has the DVLA been giving out driver details to private companies?

Around 32 million vehicle-keeper details were provided to third parties by the agency in the financial year 2021/22, according to an investigation by Carwow.

The investigation's findings show DVLA received £23.9million in gross income by selling driver information to these third parties.

Under Regulation 27(1)(e) of the Road Vehicle (Registration and Licencing) Regulations 2002, the DVLA is allowed to give registered keeper information in certain circumstances.

The DVLA says that data sharing is carried out in accordance with data protection, and that the law allows the release of personal data without the vehicle keeper's consent.

While the rules may change, in the meantime, details will still be issued to parking firms and fines will still be issued.