Major parking law changes launching today will impact all drivers across the UK - 'Long-awaited'

The Code introduces several key changes aimed at benefiting drivers and creating consistency across private parking operations.

These include a mandatory 10-minute grace period for motorists, standardised signage requirements, as well as a unified set of rules for all parking operators on private land.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

An Appeals Charter has also been established, with hopes it will provide further guidelines for motorists to challenge parking charges.

Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to introduce a single Code of Practice across the private parking sector.

“This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

Similarly, Will Hurley, CEO of the IPC, added that the has been a “long-awaited” day for the sector. He added: “The single Code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Both industry leaders emphasised that the sector has listened to the motoring community and is taking action to address concerns.

The Code was first published in June with the implementation date scheduled to be rolled out today, although it was first announced in April.

Existing parking sites are expected to update their signage before becoming completely compliant with the new rules by late 2026.

The objective of the Code is to help raise standards across the entire private parking sector and put an end to drivers being unfairly fined.

The BPA stated that while the full implementation of the Code will take time, with existing sites expected to comply by late 2026, it marks a “positive shift” in the industry's approach to parking management.

However, not everyone has been impressed by the new parking measures coming in. The RAC said it was “flabbergasted” by the "sudden" Code of Practice rules which were introduced after the failed Private Parking (Regulator) Bill.

The organisation argued that the Bill could have protected drivers years prior, although was unable to pass through Parliament, despite being backed by industry leaders.

It comes after British motorists were slapped with 35,000 fines a day last year by private parking firms. The Code also introduces a cap on the parking charge for late return of £100 which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• British drivers ditch cash in favour of contactless payments as popular parking app rakes in £30million
• Ford offers free home chargers and installation to new electric vehicle drivers - 'Excellent choice!'
• Electric vehicle owners issued urgent warning to make huge changes before Ofgem price hikes tomorrow

The new rules will also hand out 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.