Private Parking Rules Updated After £2,000 Five-Minute Fine
In a recent development, private parking firms have pledged to review and update their rules to prevent motorists from being penalized if they fail to pay for parking within five minutes. This decision comes in response to the case of Rosey Hudson, a motorist who was taken to court and fined £1,906 for taking more than five minutes to pay for parking in Derby.
Industry Bodies Commit to Protecting Motorists
The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have announced that they will be revising the code of conduct for the private parking sector. The primary goal of this revision is to ensure that genuine motorists are not unfairly penalized, especially those who encounter difficulties in making prompt payments upon entry.
Ms. Hudson’s case, which has been dubbed the “five-minute payment rule,” will be urgently reviewed by the panel. The revised code addressing payment challenges is set to be implemented by February 2025, with a full review expected by April of the same year.
Analysis Reveals Alarming Rate of Parking Tickets Issued
A recent analysis of government data by the RAC Foundation revealed that private parking companies are issuing an average of 41,000 parking tickets per day. With fines reaching up to £100 per ticket, the potential daily revenue from fines amounts to a staggering £4.1 million.
The introduction of a government-backed code of practice for private parking companies, including a £50 fine cap, a grace period for lateness, and a fair appeals system, was initially proposed in 2019. However, the bill was withdrawn in June 2022 following a legal challenge by parking companies.
Commitment to Improving Standards
In response to these developments, the BPA and IPC published their own code of practice in June. The establishment of a new panel to oversee this code demonstrates the industry’s dedication to enhancing standards and addressing issues promptly.
BPA chief executive Andrew Pester emphasized that private parking firms are committed to raising standards and making necessary changes to the code when challenges arise. IPC chief executive Will Hurley echoed this sentiment, highlighting the industry’s determination to improve its reputation.
The proactive steps taken by these industry bodies signal a promising shift towards a more transparent and fair private parking system that prioritizes the rights and needs of genuine motorists.