PM Takes Action Against Sky-High Parking Fees and Car Scams

New regulations have been introduced to enhance the rights of drivers contesting unfair private parking charges. These changes include a guaranteed five-minute window to decide whether to park and a ten-minute grace period to exit once their parking session concludes. Additionally, drivers will have the right to appeal for the cancellation of charges arising from circumstances beyond their control.

Key Amendments to Parking Regulations

As outlined in the new Private Parking Code of Practice laid before Parliament on 20 October, charges will be waived for honest mistakes, such as temporarily stopping to check directions, or in situations like medical emergencies, vehicle breakdowns, or instances involving malfunctioning ticket machines.

For minor infractions, including forgetting to display a parking permit, entering an incorrect vehicle registration, or neglecting to confirm it in the parking machine, drivers will only face a maximum appeal charge of £20.

The Code also establishes a cap on the maximum parking charge at £100. Operators failing to comply with these regulations risk losing access to DVLA data, which will make it significantly more challenging for them to identify registered owners and pursue payment for issued charges.

Combatting Fraudulent Practices in the Car Industry

Additionally, the government is taking a firmer stance against unscrupulous second-hand car dealers who tamper with odometers to misrepresent a vehicle’s true mileage. Known as car clocking, the fraudulent sale of clocked vehicles is already illegal, but its inclusion in the official list of prohibited practices will empower enforcers to take more decisive action, ultimately safeguarding buyers and supporting ethical businesses.

These reforms form part of the Prime Minister’s initiative to address everyday issues that burden families financially and emotionally, allowing them a little more breathing space.

The announcement follows previous measures to eliminate unjust airline charges, combat subscription traps, tackle rogue traders, and address exorbitant costs related to school uniforms.

Government Officials Weigh In

Prime Minister Andy Burnham commented, “Being a few minutes late returning to your car or mistakenly typing one digit of your registration should not result in a substantial fine landing on your doorstep. These charges leave individuals feeling cheated and financially strained, and I am determined to put an end to them.”

He further stated, “We are instituting clearer regulations, extending grace periods, and reducing charges for genuine oversights, all while targeting the deliberate scams that exploit drivers.”

Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, added, “Parking should be a straightforward process, not an additional source of frustration. These changes ensure that drivers receive a fairer deal, with protected time to park and leave without the anxiety of being unfairly charged. This also ensures that private parking providers adhere to higher standards.”

Future Consultations and Ongoing Reforms

Minister for Consumer Action, Kate Dearden, expressed, “No one works hard for their money only to be deceived by a dishonest trader, and this is precisely the type of everyday scam this government is committed to addressing. By simplifying the process for taking action against car clocking, we are safeguarding consumers’ hard-earned money and supporting compliant businesses.”

The government has also pledged to consult further next year regarding private parking debt recovery fees, including the potential reduction or complete removal of the existing £70 cap.

Impact of the New Code

Statistics reveal that nearly 17 million private parking charges were issued in the UK last year. In 2025, the government proposed enhancements to standards by consulting on a new Private Parking Code of Practice. The measures discussed today aim to protect motorists, with Parliament now set to scrutinise the new Code before it is enacted.

For the first time, this Code will establish a fully independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, requiring operators to provide more comprehensive data to the government. This initiative offers drivers unprecedented protection. The establishment of the board will commence once the Code is implemented.

Since taking office, the government has also initiated a review of airport drop-off charges, reduced VAT on electricity bills for the winter, frozen fuel duty and rail fares, and increased the Minimum Wage, all as part of its commitment to alleviating the cost of living.

Consultation Outcomes and Next Steps

The Private Parking Code of Practice will be applicable in England, Scotland, and Wales. Motorists will have their parking charges cancelled where they can demonstrate that one of the scenarios outlined in the Appeals Charter is applicable. Operators will be mandated to report data on the charges they impose and the handling of appeals to help elevate standards across the sector, with oversight from the new independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board.

This overhaul follows a public consultation conducted from July to September 2025, which garnered 4,526 responses from both the public and industry representatives. Motorists voiced a clear demand for fairer appeal processes and independent oversight of the private parking sector.

The government intends to hold further consultations on the remaining recommendations of the Competition and Markets Authority following the publication of the Code.

Moreover, car clocking will now be formally added to the list of banned practices under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, specifically targeting businesses engaged in the sale of vehicles to consumers.