NCP PARKING CHARGE INCREASES

That this House notes the policy of NCP to make extortionate increases in its car parking charges over the last three years, for instance its increase in January of 25 per cent. to £700 for a 2009 annual season ticket for parking at Leigh-on-Sea station; believes NCP is abusing its monopoly position at rail stations and is discouraging commuters from travelling by train into London; further notes that NCP does not respond to customers who write to it on such matters, which is unacceptable business and customer service practice; calls on NCP to explain the basis of the latest increase, stop abusing its monopoly position and change its attitude to customers, particularly at this time of economic difficulty; and calls on Ministers to consider what action they can take to investigate the increases.