New Private Parking Code of Practice — What It Means for You

Published: 22 March 2026

After years of delays, the government's new code of practice for private parking companies is finally taking shape. If you've ever been stung by a private parking charge, here's what you need to know.

A Long Time Coming

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 gave the government the power to create a single, binding code of practice for private parking companies across the UK. The idea was simple: create clear rules that protect motorists from unfair charges while still allowing legitimate parking management. But translating that idea into reality has taken far longer than anyone expected.

A consultation launched in summer 2025 laid out proposals for what the code would actually contain. After several rounds of industry and public feedback, we're now approaching the point where the code could come into force. Here's what the key changes look like.

Capped Charges

One of the biggest proposals is a cap on the amount private parking companies can charge. Currently, charges of £100 or more are common, with some operators pushing close to £170. Under the new code, charges are expected to be capped at a significantly lower level — the consultation suggested a two-tier system with a lower cap for less serious contraventions (like minor overstays) and a higher cap for more serious issues (like parking without permission).

This alone would be a massive win for motorists. The current system allows operators to set charges largely as they see fit, provided they can argue the amount is "commercially justified." A hard cap removes that ambiguity entirely.

Clearer Signage Requirements

The code is expected to introduce strict rules on signage. Signs will need to be a minimum size, use plain English, and clearly display the parking terms — including time limits, charges, and how to pay. The days of tiny signs tucked behind bushes should be numbered.

For motorists, this matters because inadequate signage is already one of the strongest grounds for appeal. Once the code is in force, it will be even easier to argue that a parking company failed to meet its obligations.

A Mandatory Grace Period

The consultation proposed a compulsory 10-minute grace period for all private car parks. Currently, the Deregulation Act 2015 only requires a grace period on council-controlled parking. Private operators have no legal obligation to give you any extra time at all — although many appeal bodies consider it good practice.

If this makes it into the final code, it would close one of the most frustrating gaps in parking law. Overstaying by two minutes would no longer be a ticket-worthy offence, regardless of whether the car park is council or private.

A Single Appeals Service

Right now, the appeals landscape is confusing. BPA members use POPLA. IPC members use IAS. The two services have different processes, different timescales, and sometimes different standards. The new code may consolidate these into a single, independent appeals service — making the process simpler and more consistent for everyone.

What This Means for Your Current Ticket

If you've received a private parking charge today, the new code isn't in force yet — so the existing rules still apply. However, the direction of travel is clear: the government recognises that private parking enforcement has been too aggressive and too confusing for too long.

In the meantime, you still have strong rights. Private parking charges are not fines — they're invoices for alleged breach of contract. You can appeal to the operator, escalate to POPLA or IAS, and in many cases get the charge cancelled entirely.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Private Parking Charge
• Your Rights Against Private Parking Companies
• POPLA Appeal Guide — How to Win