Motorists to Receive 10-Minute ‘Grace Period’ in Private Parking Lots Before Facing Fines
Private parking operators will fully implement the changes, including a parking charge cap, by December 2026.
Drivers who exceed their time in private car parks by a few minutes will not receive fines due to a new 10-minute “grace period” introduced.
Issued by the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC), this code will be applicable to all private parking facilities.
Private car parks will grant a 10-minute grace period before enforcing fines on drivers. There will also be a cap on parking charges set at £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
The code includes an “appeals charter” and requirements for clear signage to assist drivers in navigating private parking areas.
Motorists can dispute parking fines within 28 days, with operators obligated to respond within the same timeframe. In exceptional cases like being abroad or hospitalized, the appeal period may be extended.
Related Stories
Private parking operators are required to adhere to the new code by October, with a transition period before full compliance by December 2026 as per industry guidelines.
Andrew Pester, Chief Executive of BPA, stated that the new rules would ensure fair and consistent parking standards for motorists.
The IPC anticipates that the code will bring positive changes nationwide and improve protection for vulnerable individuals in society.
While motoring organizations have criticized the new code as being diluted, the AA’s Jack Cousens emphasized the need for government-backed regulations to safeguard innocent drivers.
Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC Foundation, expressed disappointment in the code, citing its inadequacy in protecting motorists.
Government Code
The government had initially planned to introduce its private code of practice, proposing fines capped at £50, a 50% discount for early payments, a 10-minute grace period, and an independent appeals service.
A 2019 bill aimed to address concerns about poor signage and unfair terms by private parking operators.
However, legal challenges from parking firms led to the temporary withdrawal of the government’s code in June 2022.
Following further review, the government issued a call for evidence on private parking charges and debt recovery fees in July 2023.
As discussions continue, the official government code remains pending, with hopes for its enactment soon to protect drivers as intended.
