10-Minute Parking Grace Period: What UK Drivers Need to Know

New 10-Minute Grace Period Could Help Drivers Challenge Parking Charges

Mandatory 10-Minute Grace Period for Private Parking: What Drivers Need to Know in 2026 Drivers using private car parks across England, Scotland and Wales are being told they now have a mandatory 10-minute grace period when they overstay their permitted parking time. The rule applies to private parking sites such as supermarkets and retail parks under a unified private parking code, giving motorists an important point to consider when challenging a parking charge. Under the code, drivers should receive a 10-minute grace period after their paid session or permitted free parking period ends. For example, if a driver's parking session ends at 2pm but an ANPR camera records the vehicle leaving at 2.09pm, the source states that a parking ticket issued in those circumstances should be cancelled when challenged. This could be particularly relevant at car parks using automatic number plate recognition cameras, where entry and exit times are recorded automatically. The grace period is intended to give drivers additional time to leave the car park after their permitted stay has ended, rather than immediately triggering a parking charge. Private parking sites have until the end of 2026 The changes are being introduced as part of a wider move towards a unified private parking code covering England, Scotland and Wales. Existing private car parks have until 31 December 2026 to become fully compliant with the new code's requirements, including changes to systems and signage. For motorists, this means checking the signs and understanding the parking terms remains important, particularly while existing sites are being brought into compliance. The 10-minute period could also provide drivers with a useful basis for an appeal where a private parking charge has been issued despite the vehicle leaving within the permitted grace period. However, motorists should still check the circumstances of their individual parking charge before assuming that every ticket can be cancelled. The development is especially relevant as ANPR parking enforcement becomes increasingly common at supermarkets, retail parks and other private car parks. For drivers, keeping evidence such as payment records, photographs of signs and details of entry and exit times can be useful when disputing a private parking charge. The key message is that a short delay beyond the end of a permitted parking session does not necessarily mean a driver should simply accept a parking charge. With existing sites having until the end of 2026 to complete their compliance changes, motorists may want to pay close attention to how the grace period is displayed and applied at the car park they use.