Private Parking Rules Set for Major Change as New Code Nears

Private Parking Charges: Major New Rules Could Be Coming

Private Parking Rules Set for Major Change as Government Prepares New Code Private parking rules are heading towards a major change as the Government prepares to introduce a new national Code of Practice aimed at strengthening protections for motorists. The Government is currently working towards laying the new Private Parking Code of Practice before Parliament in autumn 2026, putting the issue firmly back on the agenda for millions of UK drivers. The development comes as private parking continues to affect drivers across supermarkets, retail parks, restaurants, gyms and other privately managed car parks. The Competition and Markets Authority says private parking operators issued around 14.4 million parking tickets during 2024/25, highlighting the scale of the issue for motorists. What could change for drivers? One of the issues being considered is what should happen when drivers cannot pay because a parking payment system is unavailable or malfunctioning. The Government has specifically said it is assessing consumer protections for motorists who receive private parking charges when payment systems are unavailable or malfunctioning. This is particularly relevant as more private car parks rely on payment machines, apps and automatic number plate recognition systems. The Government's earlier consultation considered situations involving faulty machines, faulty apps, poor mobile signal and problems entering vehicle registration numbers, alongside the rules governing appeals against parking charges. Another issue under consideration is the amount motorists can be charged and the additional fees that can arise when a private parking charge progresses into debt recovery. Parliament was told on September 18 that the Government intends to publish its response on proposed parking charge and debt recovery fee caps alongside the new Code. The Government has also previously consulted on consideration periods and appeals arrangements, with ministers saying the evidence is being considered as the new Code is finalised. Why private parking is becoming a bigger issue The CMA launched a package of action in July after raising concerns about private parking practices, including appeals processes and additional charges. It also opened an investigation into Euro Car Parks, although that investigation does not mean the company has been found to have breached consumer law. For drivers, the practical lesson is that parking terms still need to be checked carefully. A private parking charge is not automatically cancelled simply because a machine or app fails, as the circumstances and available payment alternatives can matter. The proposed Code could therefore become particularly important for motorists who find themselves dealing with a disputed private parking charge, but the final requirements have not yet been confirmed. Drivers can also reduce the risk of parking problems by checking parking arrangements before travelling, particularly when visiting unfamiliar shopping areas, town centres, stations or event venues. EveryonesParking can help drivers plan ahead by finding and booking available parking before a journey, making it easier to know where you can park rather than relying on a last-minute search. The next major milestone will be the Government's planned publication of the new Private Parking Code of Practice in autumn 2026. Until the final Code is published and implemented, drivers should not assume that proposed changes are already legal rights. The existing parking terms at each private car park still need to be followed.