UK drivers to be protected from insanely high parking fines thanks to new rule

Labour has backed the introduction of a new Code of Practice to tackle rogue private parking firms and protect drivers from being hit by insanely high fines. Last month, the Government confirmed they had plans to “launch a consultation" on a new Code of Practice shortly. The new Code will help regulate maximum parking charges, signage, grace periods and appeals.

Monitoring the issuing of parking charges and handling complaints will also fall under its remit, helping drivers from being unfairly caught out. Operators who fail to abide by the rules of the Code could lose their access to the DVLA register, making it impossible to get details of drivers to issue any penalties. 

Blair McDougall, Labour MP for East Renfrewshire, called out the Government over a new parking Code of Practice and asked for details of when one could emerge. 

The question read: “To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of parking enforcement companies; and whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to protect consumers from their practices.

Alex Norris. Labour MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley replied: “The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

“We are progressing with plans to protect and support motorists and to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code, we will be launching a consultation in due course.”

The Conservative Government first introduced a Code of Practice for motorists in February 2022. 

However, the Code was withdrawn back in June 2022 with officials later admitting it was down to “legal proceedings issued by some private parking companies” against the updates. 

No further updates were published before the General Election but Labour has been quick to confirm they will press ahead with the scheme. 

Private parking bodies have already taken the issue into their own hands with the British Parking Association (BPA) and International Parking Community (IPC) introducing a set of rules last year.

A separate BPA Approved Operator Scheme Code of Practice sets out rules for a 10-minute grace period, better signage and a ban on enforcement fees. 

Their separate Code was launched in 2024 with all firms required to follow rules by the end of 2026.