Government introduces statutory private parking code amid concerns over high charges
A new statutory Private Parking Code of Practice has been tabled in Parliament, aiming to curb excessive parking fines, but critics say it adds little to existing industry rules.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a statutory Private Parking Code of Practice to stop what he called "rip-off" charges, following a high-profile case where Rosey Greenwood faced a £1,906 bill for ten parking notices. The code, outlined by minister Florence Eshalomi, largely replicates the existing sector code, including a five-minute consideration period, a ten-minute grace period and a £100 cap on charges, with a reduced fee for prompt payment.
It adds a few novel elements, such as cancelling fines when drivers or passengers suffer medical issues, childcare delays, or vehicle breakdowns, and threatens to strip non-compliant operators of DVLA keeper data. An independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board will monitor compliance. While the AA and RAC support the statutory backing, they criticize the lack of a single independent appeals body and the continued allowance of £70 debt-recovery fees. The code faces a 40-day parliamentary review before it can take effect 21 days after issuance.
Why it matters
It could reshape how private parking operators charge motorists and affect millions of drivers facing high fines.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the story as a consumer-focused crackdown highlighting a champion’s success and the market’s profitability, while centrist coverage frames it as a governmental regulatory response detailing the statutory code and oversight.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage frames the story as a consumer protection push, spotlighting the success of a consumer champion overturning charges and warning drivers about debt-collector risks while noting the profitability of private parking firms.
CENTER
Center coverage frames the story as a governmental regulatory response, detailing the new statutory code, quoting the minister’s “rip-off” language, and noting industry support and oversight mechanisms.
The left emphasises
- consumer crackdown
- overturned charges for almost 13,000 motorists
- unpaid tickets can lead to debt collectors and damage credit
In this story
