UK government introduces new statutory Private Parking Code of Practice to address parking charges

The UK government has introduced a new statutory Private Parking Code of Practice aimed at reforming parking charges, but analysis shows it largely mirrors the existing industry code. Drivers will still have a minimum five-minute consideration period and a 10-minute grace period to leave car parks. The maximum charge remains at £100 (or £60 if paid within two weeks), and £20 reduced rates on appeal apply under the same four conditions as before. Parking operators can still add a £70 debt recovery fee for unpaid charges. The new code introduces cancellation of charges only if a driver or passenger suffers illness onset or a medical appointment delay, but does not appear to significantly change existing enforcement practices.