New UK parking 'code of practice' for drivers but RAC says it is 'flabbergasted'

James Rodger
·2-min read

Drivers have been warned over private parking changes which are "confusing" for motorists who continue to get fined "unfairly". Breakdown company and roadside recovery firm RAC was left "flabbergasted" by the parking rules.

The new ‘Private Parking Code of Practice’ aims to put more power in the hands of drivers with a single comprehensive set of ‘parameters’ that all private car parks must adhere to. The key points in the new code include a mandatory 10-minute grace period for parking charge notices (PCNs).

It also includes a consistent set of signage and rules, a clear and transparent Appeals Charter for those challenging fines, as well as the formation of a new ‘oversight group’ to make sure those managing parking on private land are following the rules.

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It has hit out at the "sudden" Code of Practice rules which were introduced last week by the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “We’re flabbergasted that 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.

“While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of.

“These elements, alongside a formal appeals process, are currently being worked on by the Government and in our opinion can’t come soon enough. Nothing should stand in the way of the official Code, least of all a new industry scheme which muddies the waters and risks confusing drivers.”

Andrew Pester, chief executive at the BPA, said: “Our sector single Code reflects the standard raising elements of the Government’s withdrawn code and allows our private parking sector to raise stands including the introduction of an Appeals Charter, without delay.”

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