UK government sets new rules and caps private parking charges

The government has announced a new private parking code of practice that caps penalty charges at a maximum of £100, the Daily Mail reported. The new rules give drivers fresh rights to challenge unfair fines and introduce set grace periods inside private car parks. [1]

Under the new code, motorists will receive a guaranteed five minutes after arriving to decide whether they wish to park, according to the Daily Mail. Drivers will also be granted a 10-minute grace period to leave a car park without facing a penalty after their paid session ends. [1]

The Daily Mail noted that drivers can have charges cancelled on appeal for honest mistakes, such as stopping briefly to check directions. Penalties must also be cancelled for issues outside a driver's control, such as a vehicle breakdown inside the car park. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously set out rules to curb private parking penalties following widespread complaints. The RAC motoring group stated that the changes will help protect drivers from poor practices by private parking companies. [4]