Queensland to outlaw private parking companies accessing driver information

The fight against private carparking companies has swung in favour of motorists in one state, with one frustrating act to be banned.

Private carpark companies will not be able to get car registration details in Queensland under new laws.

The new laws propose to permanently slam shut the loophole private companies use to ‘enforce’ their fines, typically issued in non-gated carparks.

Only government agencies and the courts can enforce fines - of any nature.

Private parking operators have for years been able to ask the Queensland government for registration details, names and addresses if the parking company says it is taking the first steps in legal action.

Furore over parking payment notices designed to looked like fines sparked successive Queensland governments to crack down on the practice. Picture: NewsWire / Tertius Pickard

The previous government paused this practice in 2023, and this week the government said it would legislate to permanently close the loophole.

“These amendments will close a loophole and bring Queensland into line with other states and territories,” Department of Transport and Main Roads executive Joanna Robinson said.

“These changes show the Queensland Government’s commitment to protecting the personal information of Queenslanders. Now more than ever, the community expect government to ensure that their personal information is only used for specific and legislated reasons.”

Former Transport Minister Mark Bailey had labelled the private carpark ‘fines’ as a rip off. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

In 2023 when the parking companies were temporarily banned from asking for car rego details, the Transport Minister said the parking companies had “no intentions of taking people to court”, but would send demand letters to the car owners with enforcement fees tacked on.

The issue came to a head two years ago as Brisbane residents were receiving intimidating demand notices dressed up as legally binding fines.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has been contacted to clarify when this amending legislation will be introduced to parliament.

Originally published as Queensland to outlaw private parking companies accessing driver information