The British Parking Association (BPA) and International Parking Community (IPC) have announced a new code of practice for private parking operators, scheduled to take effect from October 1, 2024.
This industry-led initiative aims to bring more consistency and fairness to private parking enforcement across the UK. Under the new code, drivers will benefit from a mandatory 10-minute grace period before any parking charges can be issued. The code also stipulates clearer signage requirements in car parks to help motorists understand the terms and conditions of parking.
While the maximum parking charge cap remains at £100, it will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Additionally, an Appeals Charter will be introduced to provide a clearer process for contesting charges. However, organisations like the RAC and AA have criticised the code for not going far enough to protect drivers, arguing that it fails to address key issues such as capping charges and removing debt recovery fees.
A recent study by Churchill Motor Insurance has revealed a significant increase in council-operated car park charges across Britain. The research shows that average daytime hourly parking rates have risen by 11% since 2022, from £1.15 to £1.29 in 2024. Even more striking is the surge in evening parking charges, which have increased by 22% on average, from £1 to £1.22.
Some areas have seen particularly dramatic hikes, with Sandwell in the West Midlands experiencing the largest increase – daytime rates there have jumped 145% from 40p to 98p. Other notable increases were observed in Renfrewshire and Oldham, at 108% and 89% respectively. This trend of rising parking charges is affecting drivers across the country, with some areas experiencing substantial price hikes that are likely to impact both residents and visitors.
Earlier this year, the UK government's plans to introduce its own Private Parking Code of Practice were still making headlines. The government's proposed code, which was more stringent than the industry-led version, had been temporarily withdrawn in June 2022 following legal challenges from parking companies.
Key features of the withdrawn code included capping most parking fines at £50 (half the current maximum), increasing the discount for early payment from 40% to 50%, banning aggressive language on parking tickets, and creating an independent appeals service. In response to the withdrawal, the government launched a call for evidence in July 2023 to reassess the impact of such changes, with the consultation period closing on October 8, 2023.
The outcome of this consultation and the government's next steps remain a topic of interest for drivers and parking operators alike.
A new parking fine scam has emerged in the UK, prompting warnings from consumer watchdog Which? and local authorities. The scam involves convincing text messages claiming that drivers owe money for unpaid parking fines. These messages direct recipients to a copycat government website designed to steal personal and financial information. The fraudulent website is a highly convincing replica of the official government site, complete with accurate logos, branding, and font. It even uses the user's IP address to make the scam more believable by listing the fine location as the area where the user is located.
To protect themselves, drivers are advised to be cautious of unsolicited text messages about parking fines and to verify any claims through official channels. Experts recommend not clicking on links in unexpected messages and checking the URL of any website asking for personal information. Legitimate government pages always start with "gov.uk". Suspicious texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726, and scam websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre. If you believe you've fallen victim to this scam, contact your bank and the police immediately.
Residents of Bournemouth are voicing their concerns over widespread illegal parking, particularly near the seafront. The issue has become more prominent due to recent pleasant weather attracting large numbers of beachgoers, with cars abandoned on pavements and double yellow lines causing problems for local residents and traffic flow. There are growing worries about the upcoming bank holiday and Air Festival potentially exacerbating these parking issues. Locals complain about a lack of parking enforcement officers and insufficient parking facilities, with some reporting instances where emergency services were unable to access certain roads due to double-parked vehicles and pavement obstructions.
The controversy highlights the tension between accommodating tourists and maintaining quality of life for residents, as well as the challenges in enforcing parking regulations effectively. Many residents feel that the current fine of £35 if paid within two weeks is insufficient to deter illegal parking, with some describing it as "essentially a steal for a day at the beach". While the BCP Council acknowledges the problem, they claim their authority to address these issues is limited. Council leader Milly Earl has mentioned deploying civil enforcement officers and plans for more during the air festival, but residents continue to push for more robust action to tackle the parking problems plaguing the popular seaside town.