The peak body representing parking companies has hit back at claims some private operators in south-east Queensland are “ripping off” drivers over-staying by issuing payment demands.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey tore into the operators in recent weeks, saying it appears the parking notices are a “blatant rip-off”.

“I advise people don’t pay them, because they are not fines, you are not allowed to issue a fine unless you are an authorised council or state government officer.”

Stuart Norman, the CEO of Parking Australia, the group representing the parking industry, told Neil Breen they are not fines.

In a fiery exchange on Brisbane Live, he defended the industry, saying companies are operating within the legislation.

“Parking operators in Queensland are working within the legislation as provided by the government, which the Minister oversees. They are not acting illegally, they are not fines, they are payment notices, they are not law … as issued by police or a council,” he told Neil Breen.

“The Office of Fair Trading have said recently in statement that parking operators have every ability to be able to manage these carparks and therefore provide these payment notices for people who stay longer than the terms of entrance that are posted at each of the carparks.”

Neil questioned how the operators were able to send the parking notices in the mail.

“People feel uncomfortable about the fact they are getting the fines in the mail, they are dressed up to look like fines … and how their information is being accessed.”

Press PLAY below to hear the fiery interview in full