Burnham announces new rules to end 'rip-off' private parking charges

Drivers will have the right to challenge private parking charges and receive more grace under new rules announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The changes include a guaranteed five-minute window to decide whether to park and a ten-minute grace period to leave without penalty. Charges will be cancelled for issues beyond driver control, such as vehicle breakdowns or medical emergencies, and for honest mistakes like checking directions. A maximum appeal fee of £20 will be introduced for common errors, and the overall charge cap will be frozen at £100. The measures follow RAC analysis showing a record 17 million private parking tickets were issued in 2025/2026, with drivers potentially facing over £4.6 million in daily charges.