A HUGE change is coming for parking rules in the UK in just months as 35,000 drivers are hit with fines daily.
The change is set to fundamentally rebalance the relationship between motorists and private parking firms across the nation.
The Parking (Code of Practice) Bill was passed more than five years ago as the Government tried to crack down on rogue operators handing out penalties.
It was revealed in March that in just nine months of last year, 9.7 million tickets were handed out to Brits at a rate of 35,000 a day.
All the while, the legislation designed to protected motorists has been beset by delays and legal challenges.
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Now, though, in the absence of legal enforcement, two of the largest industry bodies representing parking firms have joined forces and developed their own Code of Practice designed to ease the burden on car owners.
Representing more than 1,000 private operators and councils between them the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have unveiled the new rules, including a major "grace period" provision.
The sector has listened to the motoring community and today we are acting
Will Hurley
Under the guidelines, wardens would be required to give drivers up to 10 minutes to get back to their vehicle after the expiration of their permit before a penalty can be issued.
They will also feature a new appeals process and a requirement for clear signage in car parks.
Plus, companies will be ordered to provide a phone number to call to make an appeal to reduce the reliance on complicated apps, which many people may have difficulty using.
Andrew Pester, chief executive of the BPA, said: "We are delighted to introduce a single Code of Practice across the private parking sector.
"This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists.
"We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all."
IPC chief Will Hurley added: "This is a long-awaited day, the sector has been calling for a single Code of Practice for a long time and today we are proud to be committing to it.
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"The single Code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules.
"The sector has listened to the motoring community and today we are acting."
However, the rules will not come into force straight away, with an "implementation period" beginning on October 1.
And some firms insist they won't be able to ensure full compliance with the code for years to come, with a final deadline of 2026.
On the delayed legislation, a spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, commented: "We remain committed to introducing the private parking code of practice to help improve the regulation of the private parking system.
"We have recently concluded a call for evidence and will consult on elements of the code in due course.
"The Government continues to work with the industry and consumer groups to reissue the code as quickly as possible."
