Parking law changes launching soon will see drivers given 10-minute grace period and a cap on expensive fines
The new Parking rules will give drivers a 10-minute grace period
PA
Motorists have been handed a lifeline thanks to new measures designed to help Britons benefit from "fairer" parking rules.
The new Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice, which will come into force in October, will raise standards and deliver greater transparency and consistency for drivers.
Under the new guidelines, created by the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community, motorists can expect longer grace periods when using private car parks.
This will offer drivers a mandated 10-minute grace period before they can be fined for going over their allotted parking time.
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The Code will come into force at the start of OctoberPAThe new Code will introduce an Appeals Charter that aims to create clear parameters for motorists to appeal against any unfair parking charges.
The code also maintains a cap on the parking charge at £100 which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Private parking operators will implement the new single Code by October 1, 2024, with all existing sites needing to be updated by December 2026.
Andrew Pester, BPA chief executive, explained: “We are delighted to release 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.”
Meanwhile, Will Hurley, IPC CEO explained that the new code will create “positive change” across the UK.
It aims to enhance the protection of the most vulnerable in society, while “creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector,” he added.
The reforms to private parking rules come as British motorists were slapped with 35,000 fines a day last year by private parking firms.
Each ticket can cost up to £100 for parking fines with the private companies raking in thousands for infringements, prompting drivers to demand action.
For drivers who park in Blue Badge bays without the right to, the Code adds further protective measures to prevent motorists from abusing the bays.
At least 32.2 million tickets have been issued by private companies in Britain since 2019 with drivers forced to pay the price.
The Private Parking Code replaces the Private Parking (Regulator) Bill which failed to pass through Parliament a few years ago.
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The Code will replace the Private Parking (Regulator) Bill
PAThe Bill called for more regulation and enforcement to stop drivers from being punished by unfair parking charges, but was dismissed by some motoring experts as not helping motorists enough.