Major parking changes to be unveiled next week will have massive impact on all British drivers

The changes primarily aim to make it “fairer” for motorists who have been consistently hit with harsh fines for parking over the past few years.

Under the new plans, drivers will benefit from a mandated 10-minute grace period for parking as well as a new Appeals Charter for incorrect fines.

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The Code also introduces a cap on the parking charge of £100 which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive told GB News: “We are delighted to launch 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.”

The Code will be implemented from October 1, 2024, with all existing sites needing to be updated by December 2026.

Will Hurley, Chief Executive Officer at the International Parking Community, added: “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.”

This Code is based on the Government’s Private Parking Code of Practice, which was published in February 2022, but failed to pass through parliament. The bill called for more regulation and enforcement to stop drivers being unfairly fined.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said at the time: “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.”

It detailed: “It sets out straight-forward rules for all private parking companies to follow across the sector helping to ensure that private parking companies continue to provide professional services whilst maintaining consistency to the motoring public.

“The publication of a private parking sector single Code of Practice is a significant step towards implementing consistent standards across the profession.”

The need to reform the private parking rules comes after motorists were slapped with 35,000 fines a day last year by firms. The new rules will give harsher punishments to drivers abusing Blue Badge bays.

The Code applies to all parking operators who are members of the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community.

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Members must comply with the Code, which includes the requirement to cooperate with their DVLA Accredited Trade Association and comply with any other requests.