Moray’s MSP wants new legislation introduced to stop customers in the region being “ripped off” by excessive delivery charges.
Richard Lochhead has pressed the UK Government to bring in rules to stop firms taking advantage of rural customers.
Lloyds Pharmacy and Halfords have vowed to review their policy after it was revealed they add a £50 surcharge to deliver to customers in Moray.
Last week, the MSP revealed another firm was adding an extra £60 fee to drop off items worth £8.99 to Fochabers.
Mr Lochhead believes residents are now fed up with being “ripped off by greedy companies”.
However, yesterday the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) insisted delivery fees should remain a “commercial matter” without regulation.
Mr Lochhead said: “It’s unacceptable to slap a whopping big delivery charge on an order simply because the customer has an AB or IV postcode.
“The companies I have contacted about this have changed their policies as a result, which has saved customers a lot of expense.
“But the scale of the problem is so huge that we really need a permanent solution put in place, which is why I want the UK Government to consider action to explore the case for legislation.
“I will continue to pull companies up on dodgy behaviour until these unfair practices end and rural customers are finally treated equally.”
Last night, the UK Government stressed the Consumer Protection Partnership was committed to carrying out a review to determine whether action was necessary.
And the Office of Communications was also working to understand the causes for parcel surcharging.
A spokeswoman for BEIS added: “Delivery charges should be clear and upfront, so people can decide to shop elsewhere if they feel they are excessive.
“In cases where consumers feel an extra charge is being unfairly or wrongly applied, they should take up the matter directly with the retailer to make sure they are aware of customer dissatisfaction.
“But how firms set their prices is a commercial matter for them and should be left to the market.”
