UK Government Proposes New Rules to Curb 'Rip-Off' Private Parking Charges
New regulations aim to protect drivers from harsh penalties and unfair practices by private parking companies.
The UK government, under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has announced new regulations designed to protect drivers from what are described as "rip-off" private parking charges. The proposed changes follow numerous concerns raised by motorists regarding the severity of penalties issued by private parking operators.
Under the new rules, drivers will be afforded greater rights and grace periods when using private parking facilities. Key provisions include a guaranteed five-minute window to decide whether to park and a ten-minute grace period to leave a car park without incurring a penalty. Charges will also be cancellable in situations beyond a driver's control, such as vehicle breakdowns, or for honest mistakes like forgetting a parking permit, entering an incorrect vehicle registration, or issues with ticket machines.
The maximum charge for certain minor infractions, such as forgetting a permit or a registration error, will be capped at £20 on appeal. The overall maximum charge for private parking penalties will remain at £100, consistent with the current industry code of practice.
Private parking operators who fail to comply with the new regulations risk losing access to DVLA data, which significantly hinders their ability to pursue car owners for unpaid charges. This measure aims to enforce adherence to the new code.
Recent data indicates a significant increase in private parking tickets issued. According to RAC analysis of government data, a record 17 million private parking tickets were issued in the 2025/2026 period, a 17% rise from the previous year. These charges, each potentially worth up to £100, suggest drivers could face collective penalties exceeding £4.6 million daily.
The AA has previously warned that some drivers pay fines they believe are unwarranted simply to avoid the hassle and potential legal action, citing a perceived lack of fair hearing in appeal processes.
The current private parking industry Code of Practice was established in 2024 by the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community. However, the persistent issues faced by motorists have prompted the government to introduce a formalized code to Parliament.
Industry bodies have responded to the proposed changes. The British Parking Association indicated it welcomed the reforms, while noting that many of the principles in the new framework are already present in the existing voluntary code. The new code is set to apply across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Motorists have expressed a desire for independent oversight of the private parking industry. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, stated that the new measures could offer better protections against aggressive practices by some private parking operators. However, Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, suggested the changes did not go far enough, calling for the elimination of debt recovery fees and the establishment of a single, independent appeals body.
The government has stated it will consult further on the issue of debt recovery fees, along with other recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority.