The government has announced new measures designed to crack down on rip off parking charges.
Drivers will get new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges, including a guaranteed 5 minutes to decide whether to park, 10 minutes to leave once their session ends, and the right to have charges cancelled on appeal for issues they can’t control.
Under the new Private Parking Code of Practice, charges will be scrapped on appeal for honest mistakes, like stopping briefly to check directions, and for situations like a medical emergency, breakdown or broken ticket machine.
For smaller mistakes, like forgetting a parking permit, entering the wrong vehicle’s registration or forgetting to confirm it in the machine when parking, drivers will face a maximum charge of £20 on appeal.
The Code will also freeze the maximum parking charge at £100. Operators who don’t comply will risk losing access to DVLA data, meaning that even if they issue a charge, it will be far more difficult to identify the registered owner.
Furthermore, second-hand car dealers who wind back odometers to disguise a vehicle’s true mileage will also face tougher action. Car clocking is already illegal, but adding it to the official list of banned practices will make it easier for enforcers to crack down, protecting buyers and backing honest businesses.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "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.
"These charges leave people feeling ripped off and out of pocket, so I’m putting a stop to them.
"We are introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while going after the deliberate scams that rip drivers off."
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: "Parking should be straightforward, not another everyday hassle. These changes mean drivers get a fairer deal, protected time to park and leave without fear of being unfairly charged, and confidence that private parking providers are held to a higher standard.
"It’s yet another step forward in this government’s plan to take the stress out of everyday life and ease the pressure on people’s pockets."
