Parking law changes launching within months will protect drivers from unfair fines in 'crucial milestone'

The new Code, from the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community, will be published this month while the code itself will be implemented by October with the aim that companies will be fully compliant by late 2026.

The key changes for motorists include a mandated 10-minute grace period when parking to help prevent getting overcharged.

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

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.

Although the parking changes offer more protection for drivers, the RAC said it was “flabbergasted” by the "sudden" Code of Practice rules which were introduced.

The insurer said it was surprised that both organisations decided to introduce their own Private Parking Code after “doing all they can” to prevent the Private Parking (Regulator) Bill from coming into force.

The Bill, which failed to pass through Parliament, would have established a regulator for privately-owned car parks to stop them from unfairly fining drivers.

Instead, the BPA and IPC published their own Code outside of Parliament and without support from other organisations.

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

The Code introduces an Appeals Charter, which gives motorists the chance to appeal against a parking charge.

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.

Andrew Pester, chief executive of the BPA, 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.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Drivers warned as four major car brands recall almost 850,000 vehicles for serious safety concerns
• Rishi Sunak promises to launch major driving law changes to protect Britons from 20mph roads and huge fines
• Drivers warned of £1,000 fine for flying England flags ahead of the Euros despite being a 'source of pride'

At least 32.2 million tickets have been issued by private companies in Britain since 2019 with drivers forced to pay the price.