Major change to car parking laws with £100 fine from October 1
Drivers are being warned of major changes to parking rules due to come into force within days. The Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice is set to launch on October 1.
Almost all drivers will be affected by the new changes. The Code is a joint venture between the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC).
The policies are based on the Government's Private Parking Code of Practice - set out in 2022 which was never made into law. According to the BPA, the new guidelines will 'raise standards' and help 'deliver greater transparency and consistency' for road users.
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The new Code sets a cap on the amount private parking firms can charge drivers for breaking the rules. This will be set at £100 but the fine will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days, Express reports.
There will also be a mandatory ten-minute grace period. A new appeals charter will be established, creating clearer parameters for motorists to appeal a parking charge.
As part of the new rules, there will be a requirement for clear signage in private car parks. Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive, previously said: "We are delighted to release a single sector Code across our private parking sector.
"This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists. We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all."
The Code will also ensure the protection of 'the most vulnerable in society' with no change in the penalty for abusing Blue Badge bays. Will Hurley, IPC Chief Executive Officer, previously said the new rules would 'elevate standards'.
He said: "This new Code will create positive change across the UK, enhancing the protection of the most vulnerable in society, whilst creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector."
But not everyone has welcomed the new changes, with some breakdown experts and car insurance specialists at the RAC calling out the move. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC said: "We’re flabbergasted the BPA and IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own 'private parking code' after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official Government Code created by an Act of Parliament coming into force."