Motorists across England, Scotland, and Wales are set to receive stronger protections against unfair private parking charges under a new government code introduced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Laid before Parliament on October 20, 2026, the updated framework guarantees a decision period upon arrival, extended departure windows, and mandatory cancellation of charges under specified mitigating circumstances.
The announcement follows mounting public concern regarding aggressive tactics and harsh penalties deployed by private parking operators. According to analysis by the RAC and the Press Association, private companies issued a record 17 million parking tickets in the 2025/2026 period. This figure represents a 17% increase from the previous year. With individual charges reaching up to £100, the collective daily cost to drivers could exceed £4.6 million.
Key Protections and Grace Periods Under the New Code
The newly formalised Private Parking Code of Practice establishes clear national standards designed to eliminate what Prime Minister Burnham described as “rip-off parking charges.” Under the rules, motorists are granted specific operational buffers:
- Decision Window: Drivers receive a guaranteed five-minute period upon arrival to decide whether to use a car park.
- Departure Grace Period: Motorists are given a 10-minute window to leave a car park after their paid session ends without facing a penalty.
- Uncontrollable Circumstances: Charges must be cancelled on appeal when motorists provide evidence of qualifying issues, such as vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies, or malfunctioning ticket machines.
- Honest Mistakes: Fines will be waived for genuine oversights, including stopping briefly to check directions.
Caps on Minor Infractions
For minor administrative errors-such as forgetting to display a valid parking permit, entering an incorrect vehicle registration number, or failing to confirm registration details at a payment machine-the maximum penalty after a successful appeal process will be capped at £20.
Meanwhile, the absolute maximum private parking charge remains frozen at £100. Operators who fail to comply with the new regulatory framework risk losing access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data, severely restricting their ability to trace vehicle keepers and pursue outstanding fines.
“Being a few minutes late back to your car or typing one digit of your numberplate wrong shouldn’t end with a hefty fine landing on your doormat,” said Prime Minister Andy Burnham. “These charges leave people feeling ripped off and out of pocket, so I’m putting a stop to them.”
Industry and Consumer Group Reactions
Motoring organizations and consumer bodies have offered mixed responses to the legislative package. While acknowledging the framework as a positive development after years of delays, groups such as the RAC and the AA argued that the measures do not go far enough.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, noted that while the code marks a step in the right direction, it falls short of the comprehensive overhaul drivers need. The organization has continuously advocated for a complete ban on private parking debt recovery fees and the implementation of a single, unified independent appeals body, rather than the existing industry-run systems.
The consumer organization Which? expressed disappointment that the government opted to maintain the £100 maximum fine rather than reducing it to £50. They also criticized the absence of immediate action against escalating debt recovery charges. In response, the government announced plans to launch a formal consultation on debt recovery fees-which are frequently added when payments become overdue-with options to lower the existing £70 cap or abolish them altogether.
Industry representatives, including the British Parking Association, welcomed the framework. They stated that it builds upon established voluntary guidelines and establishes a predictable, transparent standard for responsible parking management across the country.
