Private parking companies will offer drivers a "10-minute grace period" under new rules. The code of practice published by industry bodies, the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC), on Thursday, June 27. The industry bodies is asking private parking operators to implement the new code by October 1.
The practice includes a 10-minute grace period for drivers to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends. It also includes requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter". But critics have hit out at the "watered down" practice as it does not acknowledge "the need to cap charges and remove debt recovery fees.
" BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists." "We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all." The RAC Foundation found 9.
7 million tickets were issued to drivers by private parking companies in the UK between April and December last year, which is equivalent to almost 35,300 a day. Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees. A Bill to enable the introduction of a legislation-backed code of conduct received Royal Assent in March 2019.
This code, which was due to come into force across the UK by the e.
