Private car parks in the UK will soon be subject to a fresh set of regulations, scheduled for rollout later this year.
Led by the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC), the new 'Private Parking Code of Practice' aims to empower drivers by establishing a unified framework that all private car parks must follow.
Key highlights of the code include a mandatory 10-minute grace period for parking charge notices (PCNs), standardised signage and regulations, a transparent Appeals Charter for contesting fines, and the creation of an oversight group to ensure compliance among private parking operators.
The BPA has underlined its commitment to advocate for Blue Badge holders within this comprehensive code of conduct. The association remains dedicated to curbing selfish parking behaviour that disregards the rights and needs of others.
The finalised Private Parking Code of Practice is expected to be published in June and enforced from October of this year. Existing private car parks have until 2026 to align their signage and operations with the new standards, while new car parks established after October must comply immediately.
Non-compliance with these regulations could result in expulsion from the BPA—a severe penalty given that membership is essential for access to the DVLA's KADOE service, which enables operators to obtain vehicle keeper information for issuing fines.
Andrew Pester, CEO of the BPA, emphasised that the implementation of a single industry-wide code of practice is a significant step towards establishing fairer and more consistent parking standards. He said, it is "a crucial 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 new rules build upon the government's earlier efforts in 2022, incorporating key aspects of the original plan that was temporarily withdrawn. The BPA is committed to updating and maintaining the code to reflect evolving needs.
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