New single Code will raise standards and deliver greater transparency and consistency for the benefit of motorists.
Image: BPA
The BPA (British Parking Association) and the IPC (International Parking Community) have today published the private parking sector single Code of Practice to be used across the entire private parking sector. This new single Code will raise standards and deliver greater transparency and consistency for the benefit of motorists.
The new sector single Code:
- Introduces an Appeals Charter, creating clear parameters for motorists to appeal against a parking charge
- Mandates a 10-minute grace period for motorists
- Provides consistent rules for private parking operators
- Requires clear signage to help motorists navigate parking on private land.
- Ensures the protection of the most vulnerable in society, with no decrease to the deterrent for abuse of Blue Badge bays or those who choose to park selfishly, putting their own convenience above the needs or rights of others.
- Maintains a cap on the parking charge at £100 reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Private Parking Operators will implement the new single Code by 1 October 2024 with all existing sites needing to be updated by December 2026. The new sector Code can be downloaded here
Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to release a single sector Code across our private parking sector. This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists. We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all.”
Will Hurley, IPC Chief Executive Officer said, “This new Code will create positive change across the UK, enhancing the protection of the most vulnerable in society, whilst creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said; “It’s somewhat ironic that after pushing so hard against adopting one, the two bodies have decided to implement their own. This watered down ‘code of practice’ falls far short of the standards The AA, Government and consumer groups have called for across many years.
“This self-authored ‘code’ doesn’t acknowledge the need to cap charges and remove debt recovery fees. These elements are desperately needed from a government backed Code to protect innocent drivers from the sharks running private car parks.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers shouldn’t be fooled into thinking this so-called code developed by the private parking industry itself is the same as the long-delayed official Private Parking Code of Practice that is backed by legislation. This, and only this, will bring an end to the worst practices of some private parking operators and mean drivers, and especially those who are vulnerable, are protected from unreasonable fines and debt collectors chasing down payments.
“We accept that some of the measures being introduced by the parking industry are an improvement on the status quo which, we have long argued, is totally unacceptable. But what operators will now be expected to do falls miles short of what drivers have been promised by the Government, which includes a cap on fines and debt recovery fees, a single independent appeals service, and sanctions against companies that break the rules such as being banned from operating.
“We sincerely hope the official government code will finally come into force later this year, five years after it became law.”
