UK Government Unveils New Rules to Combat Unfair Private Parking Charges

The UK government has announced the introduction of a new Private Parking Code of Practice, aimed at curbing unfair charges imposed by private parking operators. The long-awaited code, to be laid before Parliament, introduces new rights for motorists and aims to standardize practices within the private parking industry.

Key Provisions of the New Code

The Private Parking Code of Practice Act, which came into force in 2019, mandates that the Secretary of State prepare a code of practice for the management of private parking facilities in England, Scotland, and Wales. The new code seeks to raise industry standards and protect drivers from excessive penalties.

Key benefits for drivers include:

• Grace Periods: A guaranteed grace period of five minutes to decide on parking and ten minutes to leave after a session ends, without incurring a penalty.
• Cancellation for Unforeseen Circumstances: Parking charges can be cancelled on appeal for situations beyond a driver's control, such as a vehicle breakdown, medical emergencies, or brief stops to check directions.
• Capped Charges for Minor Errors: For minor mistakes, such as forgetting a parking permit or entering the wrong vehicle registration, the maximum charge will be capped at £20.
• Maximum Charge Freeze: The maximum parking charge is frozen at £100.

The code also establishes a fully independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board and requires operators to share more information with the government, enhancing driver protections.

Enforcement and Future Consultations

Private parking operators who fail to comply with the new code risk losing access to DVLA data, which would make it significantly harder to pursue payment for issued charges. Parliament will now review the code before its implementation.

Additionally, the government plans to consult next year on private parking debt recovery fees, considering whether to reduce the existing £70 cap or abolish these fees entirely. Measures to combat 'car clocking'—the illegal practice of winding back vehicle odometers—have also been announced.

Industry and Stakeholder Reactions

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the new rules aim to stop "hefty fines landing on your doormat" and protect drivers from feeling "ripped off."

While motoring organizations and safety charities have welcomed the code as a step in the right direction, some believe it does not go far enough. IAM RoadSmart's director of policy, Nicholas Lyes, expressed a desire for a single, independent appeals system and stronger action against debt recovery organizations. Similarly, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, noted that while it's a positive start, further work is needed, particularly regarding debt recovery fees.

RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, echoed these sentiments, calling the code a step forward but not the comprehensive reform long advocated for, particularly regarding the banning of debt recovery fees and the establishment of a single independent appeals body.

Historical Context

The changes come after years of campaigning by publications like This is Money, which has advocated for reforms since at least 2019. At that time, then-local government minister Rishi Sunak MP had stated that "rogue operators are on their way out for good." In the year to March 2026, private parking companies issued a record 16.9 million charges, representing a 360 percent increase since 2015/16.

While the new code introduces fairer appeal processes for genuine mistakes and situations beyond drivers' control, it does not prohibit private firms from accessing DVLA driver data or mandate DVLA investigations into high volumes of applications for specific locations. The government has committed to further consultations on debt recovery fees in the coming year.