New Safeguard for Motorists in Private Car Parks Introduced

The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have introduced a new safeguard for motorists using car parks monitored by fixed cameras. Under the updated code of conduct, drivers who complete their parking payment—no matter if it's delayed due to technical issues—before they exit the car park will not be penalised, a move that comes after incidents where drivers were wrongly ticketed for delays beyond their control.

Previously, if payment was not processed within a designated timeframe after entering a car park, motorists could be issued tickets. The recent amendment addresses cases where external factors, like poor mobile phone signal, hinder timely payment, thereby offering drivers relief from penalty charges in such situations.

However, this change does not extend to council-run car parks or facilities with wardens on site. While industry representatives have welcomed the update as a step toward fairer treatment, some motoring groups have emphasized the necessity of introducing a legislation-backed code of practice for private parking, to ensure better oversight and a more independent appeals process.

In addition, the private parking sector has faced longstanding criticisms for its signage, debt collection practices, and high fees, with recent data suggesting that drivers in the UK are disproportionately affected by the issuance of parking tickets, highlighting the ongoing debate over the fairness of these systems.