Andy Burnham Launches New Private Parking Code of Practice

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a new official code of practice for private parking across England, Scotland, and Wales to eliminate what he described as rip-off charges. The rules establish a guaranteed five-minute period for drivers to decide whether to park and a 10-minute grace period to leave after a parking session ends.

Under the new guidelines, fines will be scrapped on appeal for honest mistakes, including vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies, or stopping to check directions. Minor errors, such as forgotten permits or incorrect registration entries, will be capped at £20 on appeal. Operators that fail to comply with these rules risk losing access to DVLA data.

The government maintained the maximum parking charge at £100 and intends to consult on debt recovery fees next year. While the British Parking Association welcomed the changes, consumer groups including Which? and the RAC criticized the government for failing to implement a £50 price cap or establish an independent appeals body. The AA warned that many drivers continue to pay unfair fines simply to avoid the hassle of the appeals process.