The UK government has initiated an eight-week public consultation on a proposed Private Parking Code of Practice aimed at preventing motorists from being unfairly penalised by private car park operators. This move comes amid growing concerns over excessive charges and opaque enforcement practices that have impacted thousands of drivers nationwide.
Addressing Rising Concerns Over Private Parking Penalties
Drivers across the UK have reported being subjected to hefty parking fines for minor or inadvertent infractions, such as delays in payment or entering registration information incorrectly. One notable case involved Rosey Hudson, who received a penalty charge of £1,906 after taking just over five minutes to pay at a Derby car park, sparking public outcry and calls for regulatory reform.
In response, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) announced the consultation on the Private Parking Code of Practice. The government described the proposed code as “aiming to create a fairer, more transparent private parking system that safeguards motorists from unfair treatment.”
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley, emphasized the everyday importance of parking and the need for clear regulations. “From shopping on your local high street to visiting a loved one in hospital, parking is part of everyday life. But too many people are being unfairly penalised,” Norris said. “Our code will tackle misleading tactics and confusing processes, bringing vital oversight and transparency to raise standards across the board.”
Historical Context: The Struggle for Effective Regulation
Private parking in the UK is largely self-regulated. Operators, often members of two main trade bodies the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have the authority to obtain vehicle keeper details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs). Unlike public authority-issued fines, these notices are civil charges, not criminal penalties, leading to sometimes aggressive enforcement.
In February 2022, the previous government published a statutory code of practice intended to improve standards and fairness in private parking. However, it was withdrawn before implementation in late 2023 following legal challenges from several parking firms. Consequently, the sector has reverted to self-regulation, which critics say lacks transparency and impartial accountability.
According to statistics released by the DVLA, private parking operators requested keeper details 12.8 million times in the last financial year a 673% increase since 2012. While this partly reflects more widespread use of private parking facilities, it indicates a significant expansion in the enforcement activity of private car park operators.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Code
The government’s proposed Private Parking Code of Practice seeks to address common grievances drivers face, including:
- Caps on penalty charges at £100, higher than the £50 cap recommended in earlier drafts.
- Protection against charges resulting from technical issues such as payment machine faults, mobile connectivity problems, or accidental registration plate entry errors.
- Increased transparency and clarity in communication and signage at car parks.
- Enhanced accountability measures allowing sanctions against operators who breach the code, including possible suspension of their access to DVLA data.
A ministry spokesperson explained: “At present, operators can avoid sanctions for poor practice, leaving motorists vulnerable to unfair or incorrect charges. The new compliance framework will ensure accountability.”
Industry and Public Reactions: Calls for Balance and Greater Protections
The BPA, representing a large proportion of private car park operators, expressed support for the consultation process but stressed the importance of maintaining effective enforcement. “Without proper enforcement, parking quickly becomes a free-for-all, with some people taking advantage at the expense of others,” a BPA spokesperson said. “When spaces are misused, it’s often at the expense of those who need them most, such as disabled people, parents with young children and local residents. We believe parking systems must strike a balance: they should deter selfish and anti-social behaviour, but they must also be fair, proportionate, and transparent.”
Conversely, motoring groups remain sceptical about the scope of protections offered. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, criticised the government’s proposals as insufficient. “This long-awaited consultation will not please drivers and suggests that government is bending the knee to the private parking industry,” he remarked. Cousens specifically highlighted concerns about the £100 penalty cap, which he views as excessive, urging drivers to participate in the consultation to share their experiences.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The surge in private parking enforcement highlights the growing commercialisation of parking management in urban and suburban areas. Private car parks often serve hospitals, shopping centres, and residential developments, with operators relying heavily on revenue from parking charges and penalties.
The lack of an independent body to oversee enforcement standards has fuelled accusations of “shark-like” practices, where operators prioritise profit over fairness. Campaigners argue that without statutory enforcement and transparent appeals mechanisms, innocent drivers remain vulnerable to disproportionate fines.
Should the code of practice be adopted following the consultation, the government envisages a framework that balances the interests of drivers, businesses, and property owners. This includes better signage requirements, clearer term explanations, and fairer dispute resolution processes.
The consultation runs until 5 September 2025, inviting members of the public to submit views online. The responses will inform the government’s final policy, expected later this year.
Conclusion
The UK government’s launch of the Private Parking Code of Practice consultation marks a critical step towards addressing widespread concerns over private parking enforcement. By seeking to increase transparency, curb unfair charges, and impose sanctions for poor operator conduct, officials aim to deliver a more equitable parking environment for drivers. However, with divided opinions from industry representatives and motoring groups, the effectiveness of the forthcoming code will depend on its detailed provisions and enforcement mechanisms. As this consultation progresses, it presents a significant opportunity for motorists and stakeholders to influence the future regulation of private parking in the UK.
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