Is there a grace period in private car parks before penalties can be issued?

Private car parks in the UK have introduced a new 10-minute "grace period" for motorists before fines are issued. This initiative is part of a broader code of practice announced by private parking companies, set to be fully implemented by October.

This code is backed by the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community, the two main trade bodies representing private car park operators.

Drivers will now get a ten-minute grace period after their parking ticket expires in private car parks  (Credit: Pexels.com)

What does the grace period mean?

The grace period allows drivers a 10-minute window after their paid parking time expires before any penalties are issued. This change aims to provide a fairer experience for motorists, giving them a bit of extra time to return to their vehicle without fear of immediate fines. The introduction of this grace period is seen as a positive step toward addressing some of the longstanding criticisms directed at private parking companies.

What is the new code of practice

The new code of practice aims to standardize rules for private car park operators across the UK. Key components include:

• Consistent Signage: Ensuring that parking signs are clear and uniform to reduce confusion among drivers.
• Appeals Charter: Introducing a fairer system for drivers to appeal against fines.
• Penalty Charge Cap: Maintaining the existing cap on penalty charges at £100, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Criticisms of the new code of conduct

Despite these improvements, the new code has faced significant criticism. Critics argue that it does not go far enough to protect drivers from aggressive practices by some private parking companies. The AA's head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, describes the code as "watered down," failing to address key issues such as capping charges and eliminating debt recovery fees. He emphasizes the need for a government-backed code to truly protect drivers.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, warns motorists not to be misled by this industry-developed code, noting it is not equivalent to the long-delayed official private parking code of practice that would have been supported by legislation.

Will private parking firms be held to account?

The introduction of this new code follows a protracted battle over regulating private parking companies. In 2019, a bill was passed to establish a legislation-backed code of conduct, which aimed to halve the cap on most parking offences to £50, create a fairer appeals system, and ban aggressive language on tickets. However, a legal challenge by private parking companies in June 2022 resulted in the withdrawal of this legislation.

Private parking companies have long been criticized for their practices. Between April and December last year alone, they issued 9.7 million tickets to drivers in Britain. Confusing signage, exorbitant fees, and aggressive debt collection tactics have been major points of contention.

Will this really help drivers?

The 10-minute grace period introduced by the new code of practice for private car parks in the UK is a step in the right direction, offering drivers a brief respite before fines are imposed.

However, without stronger legislative backing and broader reforms, many critics believe that the changes fall short of providing adequate protection for motorists.

The ongoing debate highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to regulating private parking companies and ensuring fair treatment for all drivers.

 

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