UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced new rules to regulate private parking charges, giving drivers stronger protections against what he called "rip off" penalties.
The changes include a guaranteed five-minute grace period to decide whether to park, a 10-minute window to leave without penalty, and a maximum appeal charge of £20 for mistakes like entering an incorrect number plate. Charges will be cancelled for circumstances beyond drivers' control, such as vehicle breakdowns or broken ticket machines, and for honest mistakes including stopping to check directions or medical emergencies.
The maximum parking charge remains frozen at £100, matching the current industry code limit. Operators who fail to comply risk losing access to DVLA data, which would significantly hamper their ability to pursue vehicle owners.
The announcement follows widespread complaints about harsh penalties. Burnham cited one case in which a woman faced a £1,906 claim after taking longer than five minutes to pay at a Derby car park. That charge was eventually dropped.
Private parking tickets have surged dramatically. RAC analysis of government data showed 17 million private parking tickets were issued in 2025/2026, a 17 percent increase year-on-year. With charges reaching £100 each, this suggests drivers could collectively face daily charges exceeding £4.6 million.
The AA warned that some drivers pay fines they believe are unjust to avoid the hassle of appeals, fearing they would not receive fair hearings. The British Parking Association, which operates the current voluntary Code of Practice introduced in 2024, said it welcomes the changes but noted many principles already exist in its existing framework.
The RAC's head of policy Simon Williams said the new rules do not go far enough. He called for a ban on debt recovery fees added to charges and replacement of industry-run appeals bodies with a single independent one. The government said it will consult on debt recovery fees and other Competition and Markets Authority recommendations.
The new Code applies in England, Scotland and Wales.