New parking rules have been implemented starting from October 1, which include free parking for all drivers. The new single Code of Practice, introduced by the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community, aims to provide greater transparency to motorists. New private parking sites are expected to comply with this code from today, while existing sites have until 2026 to make the necessary adjustments. Chris Adams, the Group Operations Director at Brindley Group, highlighted that these changes are geared towards ensuring fair treatment of motorists and raising standards for the benefit of drivers.
A significant new rule being introduced is a 10-minute grace period, allowing extra time at the end of a parking session before a fine is issued by automated systems or parking attendants. Additionally, an Appeals Charter has been established to outline the process for appealing against a parking fine, providing drivers with clearer guidelines and more recourse. Private parking operators are required to adhere to consistent rules, preventing unfair charges and offering better protection for motorists.
To challenge an unjust ticket, drivers should first appeal to the car park operator. If the appeal is unsuccessful, they can escalate the matter to the trade association that the car park is affiliated with, either the BPA or IPC. Clear signage will also be mandated to assist drivers when parking on private land. The Code of Practice maintains a maximum parking charge of £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days, a regulation originally set by the Conservative Government in 2023.
Furthermore, the new rules aim to safeguard the use of blue badges, cracking down on misuse or illegal parking in bays designated for the most vulnerable individuals in society. Data analysis from the RAC Foundation revealed that private parking companies in Britain issued 9.7 million tickets to drivers between April and December of the previous year, highlighting the prevalence of issues such as misleading signs, aggressive debt collection practices, and unreasonable fees. While a legislation-backed code of conduct was initially planned, it was withdrawn by the Government in June 2022 due to legal challenges from parking companies.
These new parking regulations are a welcome development for motorists, providing clarity, protection, and a fairer system for all drivers using private parking facilities.