New parking rules for UK private car parks will include 10-minute grace period

A new parking code will be enforced the private sector later this year

Private car parks across the UK are gearing up to introduce a significant change in their fining process. The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have rolled out a new unified Code of Practice for the private parking industry.

Under this new code, drivers will get a 10-minute grace period before being slapped with a fine in private car parks. The BPA has hailed the new code as a step towards greater fairness and consistency for drivers, while the IPC believes it will offer better protection for the UK's most vulnerable individuals.

BPA Chief Executive Andrew Pester expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "We are delighted to release a single sector code across our private parking sector. This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists. We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all."

IPC Chief Executive Officer Will Hurley also commented on the impact of the new regulations: "This new code will create positive change across the UK, enhancing the protection of the most vulnerable in society, whilst creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector." RAC Foundation's analysis of government figures reveals that a staggering 9.7 million tickets were handed out by private parking firms from April to December of the previous year, typically for breaching their rules.

Private firms, however, have been previously criticised for installing confusing signs in their parking areas, charging unreasonable fees, and deploying aggressive debt-collection tactics.

Updates included in the new private parking code

The BPA will introduce the following updates to the private parking sector:

• Introducing an Appeals Charter, setting clear parameters for drivers to appeal against a parking charge
• Prescribing a 10-minute grace period for drivers
• Setting uniform regulations for private parking operators
• Requiring clear signposting to aid drivers in navigating private land parking
• Ensuring the safeguarding of the most vulnerable members of society, without lessening the deterring effect on Blue Badge bay abusers or those who selfishly park, prioritising their own convenience over the needs or rights of others
• Maintaining a cap on the parking charge at £100 reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days

According to the BPA, the new code is scheduled to be enforced by October 1, 2024, while all existing sites must be updated by December 2026.

"Smoke and mirrors"

Some critics have dubbed the new code, which is not legally binding, as a "distraction" from the shortcomings of a government bill brought forward in March 2019. This bill was an attempt to regulate private parking companies but faced legal opposition from the very same companies.

A bill scheduled for implementation at the end of the previous year was withdrawn in June 2022, leading to confusion and frustration amongst some motorists. RAC's Head of Policy, Simon Williams, speaking on Good Morning Britain, berated the move as an "unofficial code" and "a bit of a distraction".

He stated: "Drivers will inevitably be confused by this unofficial code. We'd be far better off waiting for the official government code."

Furthermore, he added: "And that's why it is just a bit of a distraction and perhaps some smoke and mirrors to distract from the actual code which needs to finally get across the line, hopefully later this year once the elections out of the way."

Separately, Jack Cousen, the AA's head of roads policy, voiced his disappointment with what he labelled as a "watered down" and "self-authored" code of practice. Commenting on the development, he said: ""It’s somewhat ironic that after pushing so hard against adopting a code, the two bodies have decided to implement their own.

“This watered down code of practice falls far short of the standards the AA, Government and consumer groups have called for across many years. This self-authored code doesn’t acknowledge the need to cap charges and remove debt recovery fees.

“These elements are desperately needed from a Government-backed code to protect innocent drivers from the sharks running private car parks.”