UK government to unveil new private parking code of practice in autumn
The Burnham administration is set to introduce a Private Parking Code of Practice in autumn 2026, aiming to strengthen driver protections against unfair charges.
One outlet UK government, led by Andy Burnham, is preparing to table a Private Parking Code of Practice in autumn 2026, following a series of parliamentary questions on private parking penalties. Florence Eshalomi, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the review focuses on protecting drivers when payment systems are unavailable or malfunctioning. The code, originally outlined under Sir Keir Starmer's tenure, aims to improve transparency, enforce fair charge practices, and provide clearer guidance on appeals and complaints.
Recent DVLA figures reveal a 17% increase in private parking tickets year on year, fueling public frustration. While no specific assessment has measured the effect of these charges on consumer confidence in town centres, the government intends the new code to bolster standards and support local economies. Additionally, proposals such as QR-code payments were discussed, but the Department for Transport indicated no plans to adopt QR codes for fines at this stage.
Why it matters
Stronger parking rules could protect drivers from unfair fines and support local businesses.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Address Commons on First Day Back
- Sep 3 During the opening of Reform UK's three-day conference in Birmingham, deputy leader Richard Tice warned against Chinese buses and goods, urging support for British manufacturing. Yet the nearby merchandise stall offered caps, hoodies and water bottles that were produced in China alongside items from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. Prices ranged from £5 for pins to £45 for hoodies, with a UK-made Nigel Farage tea towel costing £20. The speech also highlighted the party’s broader business agenda and its leader Nigel Farage’s recent controversies.
- Sep 4 Bond yields surged to their fastest rise since the 2022 mini‑budget, wiping out £12 billion of fiscal headroom.
- Sep 6 Burnham pledged to transfer failing utilities into public ownership.
- Sep 6 John Healey will launch a £150 million fund aimed at supporting university spin-outs and other high-growth companies across northern England.
- Sep 6 West Midlands Police have issued a call for the protester to come forward to assist their inquiry.
- Sep 7 Healey also pledged steps to curb borrowing costs, energy bills, regulation and labour expenses on UK businesses.
- Sep 9 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will not trim social security programmes to meet the 3 % of GDP defence spending goal and gave no timetable for reaching it.
- Sep 9 Burnham publicly rejected the welfare‑cut funding plan.
- Sep 11 Crypto founder Ben Delo has donated £36 million to Reform UK, the largest party contribution on record, as police investigate alleged illegal foreign funding.
- Sep 12 The donation was announced as a record contribution while a police probe into foreign funding continues.
- Sep 12 Christopher Harborne announced a further large gift to Reform UK.
- Sep 13 Burnham faced his first Prime Minister's Questions where opposition members pressed him on funding for his agenda.
- Sep 13 Reform UK received two £36 million crypto donations, totalling £72 million.
In this story
Related stories
46 in this thread