The private parking sector is set for an overhaul, with the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) revealing plans to update their code of conduct. It comes in the wake of legal action against a motorist who took more than five minutes to pay due to poor phone signal.
Both industry bodies have committed to forming a panel that aims to adjust the code so it “protects genuine motorists who have difficulty making prompt payment on entry”. They also intend to “fast-track updates to the code to reflect technological advancements”.
Last November, the BBC reported on a case involving Rosey Hudson, who was taken to court by a private parking firm over a sum of £1,906. She struggled to pay within five minutes of entering a Derby car park because of poor mobile reception – although Excel later dropped its claim.
Private parking companies have come under fire for employing perplexing signage, aggressive debt collection tactics, and exorbitant charges. Astonishing figures released last November highlight the issue, with private operators in Britain issuing an average of 41,000 parking fines each day.
Data analysis from July to September 2024 by the PA news agency and the RAC Foundation indicates that approximately 3.8 million tickets were issued during that period. In total, this could cost drivers nearly £4.1 million daily, and each ticket could carry a hefty price of up to £100, reports Wales Online.
The introduction of a Government-backed code of practice for private parking companies, which received Royal assent in March 2019 under the Conservative government, was halted in June 2022 following a legal challenge by the parking firms. The proposed code aimed to reduce the maximum fine for most parking violations to £50, establish a more equitable appeals process, and eliminate aggressive language on tickets.
In response, the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) released their own code of practice, set to be regulated by a new oversight panel. IPC chief executive Will Hurley commented: “The creation of the panel shows the commitment the industry has to improving the reputation of our sector.”
He added: “We must not forget the valuable service we provide to ensure the vast majority of people can park when and where they need to.” BPA chief executive Andrew Pester remarked: “We want to demonstrate that not only are we serious about raising standards but also making decisive changes to the code when issues arise.”
Addressing the five-minute grace period, both organisations highlighted that “many car parks … are pay on entry” and emphasised the importance of drivers reading signs and adhering to instructions. RAC’s Rod Dennis commented: “The fact that the private parking industry is already having to review its own code, just months after it was introduced, shows it’s not working in drivers’ interests.
“This is yet another reason why the launch of the long-overdue official Private Parking Code of Practice, that became law five years ago, is very much needed. We fear that without this, drivers who use private car parks will continue to be worse off.”