SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies (pictured) has spoken in Parliament to criticise a firm for introducing “draconian” parking fines at a Saltaire car park.

A number of drivers have been caught out at the Oastler Road site after not realising they had to register their vehicle at a ticket machine for 20 minutes of free parking.

The car park was taken over by Birmingham-based company Smart Parking from Bradford Council last month.

When it was Council-run, drivers could park at the site for free for the first 20 minutes without registering vehicle details.

Smart Parking says if a £100 fine is paid within 14 days from the date of the alleged breach, it will be reduced to £60.

Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Davies said: “They have introduced draconian fines of £100 to anybody who does not meet the new requirement.

“This is not only ripping off my constituents and their customers but having a terrible effect on local businesses in the area.”