Parking law changes launching within months will protect drivers from unfair fines in a ‘crucial milestone’


The new Parking Code of Practice will be launched in October, introducing measures to protect drivers from unfair fines. The Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice, developed by the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC), aims to curb overzealous parking enforcement by private companies. The code will be published this month and implemented by October, with full compliance expected by late 2026.
Key changes include a mandatory 10-minute grace period to prevent overcharging. These reforms come in response to the 35,000 fines issued daily by private parking firms last year, which could cost drivers up to £100 per ticket.
The RAC expressed surprise at the new code, criticizing the sudden introduction by the BPA and IPC, who had previously opposed the Private Parking (Regulator) Bill. This Bill, which did not pass through Parliament, would have established a regulatory body to prevent unfair fines. Instead, the BPA and IPC released their own code without parliamentary backing.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, stated: "We’re flabbergasted that the BPA and IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own ‘private parking code’ after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official Government Code created by an Act of Parliament coming into force. Nothing should stand in the way of the official Code, least of all a new industry scheme which muddies the waters and risks confusing drivers."
The new code also introduces an Appeals Charter, allowing drivers to contest parking charges, and implements additional protections to prevent misuse of Blue Badge bays.
Andrew Pester, chief executive of the BPA, said: “We are delighted to introduce a single Code of Practice across the private parking sector. This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies, and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists.”
Since 2019, private companies in Britain have issued at least 32.2 million tickets, leaving drivers to bear the cost.
Posted on 13 June 2024