New rules for private car parks are set to be introduced, which the Minister responsible says is “a victory for millions of motorists across the country”
The new statutory Parking Code of Practice proposes a maximum cap for parking fines, a 10-minute grace period before a late fine can be issued and a requirement for parking firms to clearly display pricing and terms and conditions.
Among the proposals would also be the creation of a single appeals service and appeals charter for motorists to use if they feel they have been unfairly fined.
The Government said under options set out in the Appeals Charter, motorists could be able to appeal their fine and see it reduced to a maximum of £20, or cancelled entirely if:
- They have a mitigating reason for overstaying their parking ticket such as their vehicle breaking down
- They have made a genuine innocent error, like keying in a digit in their number plate incorrectly
- They have a valid ticket, permit or Blue Badge but failed to display it correctly.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said new rules for private car parks would eliminate unfair tariffs, and be a boost to motorists across England, Scotland and Wales.
“These new measures are a victory for the millions of motorists across the country,” he said.
“They will put a stop once and for all to rogue parking firms using aggressive tactics and handing out unfair parking tickets with no right to appeal, while also boosting our high streets by making it easier for people to park near their local shops without being unfairly fined.
“Our proposals will restore common sense to the way parking fines are issued, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties.”
- The consultations also propose:
A new increased fine of up to £120 for drivers who wrongly park in disabled bays or ambulance bays - A compulsory 5-minute cooling-off period in which a motorist can consider the terms and conditions and change their mind about parking
- A crackdown on parking firms using aggressive or pseudo-legal language to intimidate motorists into paying fines.
The new system would be mandatory, unlike existing voluntary ones currently set by the industry.
The consultation process will run until mid-October, the Communities Department said.
