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Tuesday, 20 October 2026AboutAdvertiseContact

New rules to protect drivers from private parking fines

Motorists in Britain will gain new protections under a code of practice for private car parks.

At a glance

  • Drivers get five minutes to decide whether to park
  • Ten-minute grace period to leave after parking session ends
  • New code of practice applies across England, Scotland and Wales
  • Measures designed to reduce excessive parking charges

Drivers will receive a five-minute grace period to decide whether to park and a 10-minute window to leave after their session ends before facing a fine under new rules for private car parks. The prime minister described the measures as part of efforts to eliminate excessive charges and provide consumers with fairer treatment.

The new official code of practice will apply to motorists in England, Scotland and Wales, granting them a range of additional rights. The changes are presented as part of a broader series of measures aimed at easing the cost of living.

Why it matters

The rules aim to protect consumers from unexpected parking fines and reduce costs for motorists as part of broader cost-of-living relief efforts.

Original reporting

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