The legislative timetable calls for Parliament to pass laws regulating private parking enforcement firms before the next election. Last autumn, members of the committee that review the constitutionality of legislation proposed that these firms be permitted to issue parking fines, but only under strict controls.
That proposal, backed by the committee's Social Democratic chair Johannes Koskinen, would see private firms operating only in a supporting role to police or municipal meter maids and issuing tickets only on the basis of solid, verifiable evidence of a parking violation. In addition, the money collected from parking fines would be handed over to municipal or state coffers.
However, the matter has been further complicated by considerations of contract law. Parking in privately-owned spaces can be considered a contractual arrangement between the motorist and parking space owner. In such cases, a violation of contract terms can lead to a penalty. Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee was recently asked to determine whether or not the proposal on private parking enforcement restricts this right and if so, how much.
Owner's rights
On Friday, the Constitutional Law Committee’s vice-chair, National Coalition Party MP Outi Mäkelä, issued a harsh condemnation of the way the plan has been presented.
"Courtyards and parking garages will not be socialized," Mäkelä declared in a written statement delivered to Yle.
Mäkelä argues that private parking enforcement is not an exceptional activity, as she claimed Koskinen has let it be understood.
"Landowners have the right to determine the use of their property, including parking," wrote Mäkelä. "Even though a law on private parking enforcement will be concerned only with activities supporting officials, it was necessary to explain that the government's proposal does not interfere with contractual rights."