An expert has revealed the exact length of time drivers can overstay in a car park before getting fined. Drivers have reported huge £170 parking charge notices (PCN) for overstaying just one minute, suggesting the rules are being flouted.
One driver told Sky News that they were issued with a PCN after spending 60 seconds too long loading items in the car park of the shop where they had made their purchase. Their fine rose to £170 after they contested it. However, The Complaints Resolver Scott Dixon said this should never have been issued, as it falls within a 'grace period' outlined in the new private parking sector Code of Practice.
The guidance, written by parking trade associations for its members to follow, states drivers should be given a minimum grace period of 10 minutes, except in short-stay areas under 30 minutes.
Dixon explained this applies at the end of a paid-for or permitted parking stay, to allow drivers to return to their car, load belongings or shopping, queue if necessary and leave the car park.
However, he claimed "this is routinely flouted and I am not aware of any parking firms being sanctioned for it". He explained that car firms often rely on ANPR, without considering individual circumstances through human intervention.
The code of practice also outlines a 'consideration period' that allows drivers to leave the car park within the first few minutes of entering, without being charged.
This allows for situations where drivers may want to leave after reading the terms and conditions on the signs.
The minimum consideration period is set at five minutes for pay and display, pay on departure and car parks with fewer than 500 spaces where the first hour or more is free (ie supermarkets).
It is slightly longer for larger car parks with more than 500 spaces where parking is free for at least the first hour, with drivers allowed a 10-minute consideration period.
If drivers receive a fine that falls within these time periods, Dixon explained they should be able to escalate their case through appeals services.
This can either be the independent appeal service (IAS) for International Parking Community trade body members, or POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) for British Parking Association members.
If both appeals are rejected, the original fine should remain fixed at the rate set at the first appeal for another 14 days.