Private parking companies in the UK are making a significant change in their rules starting next Monday in an effort to prevent drivers from receiving tickets for minor infractions. Drivers have often been penalised for taking too long to pay for parking in private car parks. This change comes after a case where a woman faced a hefty fine of £1,906 for delayed payment due to poor mobile phone signal at a car park in Derby, as reported by the BBC in November 2024. In response to such incidents, the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have announced updates to their code of conduct, providing a safeguard for motorists experiencing payment delays.
According to the new rules, drivers will not be issued tickets in privately owned car parks equipped with fixed cameras monitoring vehicle entry and exit times, as long as payment is made before leaving the premises. However, this change does not apply to council-operated car parks or those with parking attendants. The industry bodies behind the initiative established a panel to implement this adjustment promptly last month. IPC chief executive Will Hurley emphasised the importance of quickly resolving issues that drivers may encounter, urging motorists to adhere to parking instructions displayed on signage.
BPA chief executive Andrew Pester commended the efficiency with which the change was introduced, highlighting the ongoing efforts within the parking sector to ensure fair treatment of compliant drivers. Nonetheless, motoring groups are calling for a legislation-backed code of practice as a more permanent solution. AA’s head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, stressed the need for a government-supported code alongside an independent appeals process to address the aggressive tactics employed by some private parking operators.
RAC’s head of policy Simon Williams expressed skepticism about the practical implications of the new rule, suggesting that it may not significantly benefit drivers without further details on its implementation. Previously, a Bill enabling a government-endorsed code for private parking firms was passed under the Conservative government in March 2019 but was later withdrawn in June 2022 following legal challenges. This proposed code aimed to reduce parking fines, enhance appeal processes, and prohibit aggressive language on tickets.
The private parking industry has faced criticism for misleading signage, aggressive debt collection practices, and unreasonable fees, contributing to an average of over 41,000 parking tickets issued daily in the UK by private companies. Analysis of Government data reveals that between July and September 2024, approximately 3.8 million tickets were handed out, potentially costing drivers nearly £4.1 million per day. These figures underscore the widespread impact of parking regulations on motorists and the ongoing discussions surrounding the need for fairer and more transparent parking practices.
The move towards revising parking rules in private car parks marks a step in the right direction to address longstanding issues faced by drivers. While the immediate changes are welcomed by industry stakeholders, the call for a comprehensive legal framework to govern private parking operations remains a key focus for ensuring accountability and fairness. The evolving landscape of parking regulations reflects the complex interplay between industry interests, consumer rights, and regulatory oversight in the UK.