New code of practice to protect drivers from unfair parking fines

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:58 · Archive

A new code of practice for private car parks will give drivers the right to challenge fines for honest mistakes.

A new code of practice for private parking is being introduced across the UK to give drivers greater protections against unfair fines. Drivers will be guaranteed a five-minute period to decide whether to park and a ten-minute grace period to leave the car park after their session ends, meaning they will not be fined immediately when their parking session expires.

The code will allow drivers to have charges cancelled on appeal for honest mistakes such as stopping briefly to check directions. It will also cover situations beyond drivers' control, including vehicle breakdowns in a car park, medical emergencies or broken ticket machines.

Drivers who make mistakes such as forgetting parking permits, entering a vehicle registration incorrectly or failing to confirm it in a parking machine will face a maximum charge of £20 on appeal under the new rules. Private parking charges will be frozen at a maximum of £100 overall.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the changes were necessary because drivers were being charged unfairly. He stated: '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.' He added that the government was 'introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while going after the deliberate scams that rip drivers off.'

Operators who fail to comply with the code risk losing access to DVLA vehicle keeper data, which is used to issue penalty notices. The code is expected to come into force by the end of the year.

How it is being reported

• Drivers handed new rights to challenge ‘unfair’ private parking finesDrivers will soon be given new rights so they can avoid "unfair" fines over £100 for making common mistakes in private car parks across the UK.Romsey Advertiser · 20 Oct, 12:46
• Drivers handed new rights to challenge ‘unfair’ private parking finesDrivers will soon be given new rights so they can avoid "unfair" fines over £100 for making common mistakes in private car parks across the UK.Andover Advertiser · 20 Oct, 12:46
• Drivers handed new rights to challenge ‘unfair’ private parking finesDrivers will soon be given new rights so they can avoid "unfair" fines over £100 for making common mistakes in private car parks across the UK.Basingstoke Gazette · 20 Oct, 12:46

In this story: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government · DVLA · Andy Burnham · UK

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