Motorists warned over new UK parking law launched this week
Motorists around the UK are being urged to be aware of the new rules that are being enforced from October 1
by James Rodger · ChronicleLiveMotorists and road users across the UK are being urged to take note of new driving laws that came into effect this week. The changes include the introduction of a new parking charter that will have implications for drivers nationwide.
Will Hurley, IPC chief executive officer, commented on the new measures, stating they will bring about "positive change" in the UK by "enhancing the protection of the most vulnerable in society, whilst creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector". However, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, criticised the new code as "watered down", arguing it falls "far short of the standards the AA, Government and consumer groups have called for across many years".
He added: "This self-authored code doesn't acknowledge the need to cap charges and remove debt recovery fees," and emphasised the necessity of these elements in a government-backed code "These elements are desperately needed from a government backed code to protect innocent drivers from the sharks running private car parks."
Starting October 1, the new private parking code, developed by the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPA), introduces a 10-minute grace period for drivers, mandates clear signage from operators, and maintains a cap on parking charges at £100, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Andrew Pester, BPA chief executive, stated that the new code was a "key milestone" for the industry, enabling it to deliver "fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists". He added: "We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all.", reports Birmingham Live.
Private car parking companies issue more than 35,000 parking tickets, on average, every day, with analysis from the RAC Foundation showing that at least 9.7 million tickets were issued to drivers in Britain between April and December, last year.
The new rules will also provide "consistent rules for private parking operators" in terms of charges.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
Join our County Durham community
Join our Great North Run community