On 20 October 2026, a quiet session in Parliament saw the statutory Private Parking Code of Practice presented to lawmakers. The move was more than a bureaucratic formality; it was the culmination of a campaign that began with a staggering figure: 17 million parking charges issued by private companies last year. The code was designed to put an end to what many have called “cowboy operators” who, with little oversight, could levy exorbitant fees for the smallest infractions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed the legislation, saying, “motorists should not face hefty charges for returning a few minutes late or making a one‑digit registration error.” His words echoed a growing sentiment that the current system allowed private firms to profit from the most trivial mistakes.
The heart of the code is a set of rules that grant drivers the right to have charges cancelled on appeal when the offence is an honest mistake. The legislation specifies that if a driver stops briefly to check directions, or if a vehicle breaks down in a car park, a medical emergency occurs, or a ticket machine fails, the charge may be voided. The new framework also guarantees that drivers will have a five‑minute window to decide whether to park, a provision that aims to eliminate the rush‑hour “just‑in‑time” parking that often leads to disputes.
” She followed up, “They won’t be able to charge you for your parking, and they won’t be able to go after you afterwards.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner elaborated on the practical impact: “If you had 5 minutes trying to get change to get your parking ticket, you parked up and you’re trying to do it, you’re not going to get charges anymore that we see at the moment.” She added, “If it’s an emergency, genuine, and it’s shown that you weren’t trying to do away with not parking, again, you won’t get tickets anymore.”
Private parking firms make requests for car owner data from DVLA every two seconds https://t.co/RmyQP0cnPE
Perhaps the most visible change is the cap on charges for honest mistakes: a maximum of £20. This ceiling directly addresses the outcry that many motorists faced fees that far exceeded the cost of a single parking ticket. By limiting the financial burden, the government signals a commitment to fairness while still allowing private operators to recover legitimate costs.
The stakes for parking firms extend beyond the courtroom. The code stipulates that if companies fail to comply with its provisions, they could lose access to the DVLA’s vehicle keeper database. This database is a vital tool that private operators use to identify vehicle owners and enforce charges. Losing that access would effectively strip them of the ability to pursue unpaid fees, a punitive measure that underscores the seriousness of the new regulations.
Angela Rayner warned that non‑compliance would have concrete consequences: “If they don’t comply by the regulations, they won’t be able to enforce it.” She followed up, “They won’t be able to charge you for your parking, and they won’t be able to go after you afterwards.”
The DVLA sells the addresses of 24,000 vehicle owners every day to private parking firms who can then demand £100 from them for breaking private car park rules. Should you pay, appeal, or ignore? @Moneybox noon @BBCRadio4
To ensure that the code is followed, the government has set up an independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board. This body will monitor compliance and investigate complaints, providing a layer of accountability that was previously missing. Consumer groups, while acknowledging the progress, have criticized the rules as not going far enough. They argue that the framework still allows for some discretionary power that could be abused.
Private parking companies have not been silent. Many have expressed concern that the new rules impose additional administrative burdens and could threaten their profitability. Critics argue that the cap on charges and the potential loss of DVLA access could undermine the business model that has supported private parking for decades.
For the everyday driver, the new code offers a clearer path to contesting unfair charges. The combination of a five‑minute decision window, a £20 cap, and the possibility of appeal for honest mistakes creates a safety net that was largely absent before. While the full impact will unfold over time, the legislation marks a decisive shift toward protecting motorists from the most egregious practices in the private parking sector.
The debate is far from over, but the law now provides a framework that balances the interests of drivers, the private industry, and the state. As the Scrutiny and Oversight Board begins its work, all eyes will be on how effectively the new rules will curb the excesses that have long plagued Britain’s streets.