Drivers gain new rights to challenge private parking fines
Government announces a new code of practice to protect motorists from unfair charges and introduce longer grace periods.
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Motorists across the UK will soon benefit from new protections against unfair private parking charges. The Government has announced a new Private Parking Code of Practice that will introduce a 10-minute grace period for drivers to leave car parks after their paid session has ended. This measure aims to prevent drivers from incurring charges due to minor delays.
Scrapping charges for genuine issues
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Under the new code, parking charges will be scrapped on appeal for situations deemed genuine mistakes or unavoidable circumstances. This includes instances such as briefly stopping to check directions, medical emergencies, vehicle breakdowns, or encountering a broken ticket machine. For minor infringements, such as forgetting a parking permit or entering an incorrect vehicle registration number, the maximum charge on appeal will be capped at £20.
The maximum charge for private parking will remain frozen at £100. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the aim is to stop people feeling "ripped off and out of pocket" by hefty fines for minor issues. He added that the government is introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods, and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while targeting deliberate scams.
Consequences for non-compliance
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Parking operators who fail to adhere to the new code risk losing access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data. This would make it significantly more difficult for them to identify vehicle owners and pursue payment for parking charges. The Government has also committed to consulting further on private parking debt recovery fees, including whether to reduce or eliminate the existing £70 cap.
Last year, approximately 17 million private parking charges were issued in the UK. The new code follows proposals set out in 2025 to improve standards. An independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board will be established, requiring operators to share more information with the government. The new code is anticipated to come into effect by the end of this year, pending parliamentary scrutiny.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy for IAM RoadSmart, welcomed the new protections but noted a desire for a single appeals system and action against debt recovery organisations. Alison Tooze, chief policy officer at the British Parking Association, described the code as an "important step forward" that builds on existing voluntary principles, creating a more consistent and trusted framework.
Questions this report answers
+What new rights will drivers have regarding private parking charges?
Drivers will gain new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges. This includes a 10-minute grace period to leave car parks after a session ends and the scrapping of charges for honest mistakes, medical emergencies, breakdowns, or broken ticket machines.
+What is the maximum charge for minor parking offences?
For minor offences, such as forgetting a parking permit or entering the wrong vehicle registration, the maximum charge on appeal will be £20. The overall maximum private parking charge will remain frozen at £100.
+What happens if parking operators do not comply with the new code?
Operators who do not comply with the new Private Parking Code of Practice risk losing access to DVLA data. This would make it more difficult for them to identify vehicle owners and pursue payment for parking charges.
+When will these new parking rules come into effect?
The new Private Parking Code of Practice is expected to come into force by the end of this year. Parliament will need to scrutinise the new code before ministers proceed with its implementation.
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