UK Parking Control has been "suspended" by the DVLA while an investigation is carried out.

This means the firm - which has been labelled "disgraceful" by Worcester motorists due to photo tampering allegations - is barred from access to the vehicle keeper details it needs to issue fines.

A spokesman for the DVLA said: “We take our responsibility to protect information seriously.

"If it is brought to our attention that a company requesting vehicle keeper information may not be meeting the necessary standards, we will investigate.

“I can confirm that UK Parking Control has been suspended while we carry out our investigation.”

UK Parking Control came into the media spotlight in Worcester when two motorists - Steve James and Sarah Gashi - accused the firm's staff of altering photos used to hand them fines.

The company admitted in early September that a “few” of its employees at a “small number of car parks” across the country had altered time stamps in order to dish out fines.

Meanwhile UK Parking Control has been "disciplined" by the British Parking Association, following another investigation which found the firm paid financial incentives to its wardens.

The company has been given eight sanction points under the association's "scheme of sanctions" - and it could potentially be expelled if it reaches 12 points.

A code of practice set by the British Parking Association has however been updated with immediate effect to make it "absolutely clear that the practice of offering financial incentives to parking attendants which relate to the quantity of penalty charge notices issued by them is wholly unacceptable".

Grace periods for motorists in private car parks have also been extended to a minimum of 10 minutes.

Patrick Troy, chief executive officer of the British Parking Association, said: “The British Parking Association is committed to encouraging and developing the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics within its membership. The code of professional conduct sets out the standards expected of those working in the profession and all members commit to the code when they join the association.”