UK drivers given 10-minute grace period before private parking charge

New parking rule could help drivers challenge private parking charges

UK drivers could challenge private parking charges under new 10-minute grace period rule A new private parking rule could give UK motorists an extra 10 minutes after their paid or permitted parking period ends before a Parking Charge Notice can be issued. The change has been highlighted by UK and US-qualified lawyer Kal, who said the grace period is mandatory under a new Single Code of Practice for private parking operators. New 10-minute parking grace period Under the new rules, private parking operators must allow drivers an additional 10 minutes after their paid or free parking period has ended. This means a motorist whose parking session ends at 2pm should not receive a valid Parking Charge Notice if their vehicle is recorded leaving at 2.08pm or 2.09pm. Kal explained that the additional time is not simply a goodwill gesture from private parking companies, but a compulsory requirement under the new rules. He said motorists who receive a parking charge while still within the 10-minute grace period should consider appealing the charge rather than immediately paying it. The lawyer advised drivers to check the evidence associated with the parking charge, particularly the recorded times showing when their parking session ended and when their vehicle left the site. Rule applies to private parking operators The new Single Code of Practice is being rolled out to create one uniform set of rules for participating private parking firms across England, Scotland and Wales. The change could be particularly relevant for motorists who find themselves only a few minutes over their permitted parking time. However, the source provided does not specify every circumstance in which the grace period applies, so drivers should check the terms and evidence connected with their individual parking charge. For motorists who believe they have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice within the mandatory grace period, the advice is to examine the details and consider appealing it. The rules are intended to establish a consistent approach among participating private parking companies, including how operators deal with motorists who remain on a site shortly after their permitted parking period has ended. Existing private parking locations have until December 31, 2026, to achieve full mandatory compliance, according to the information provided. For drivers, the key point is that being only a few minutes late does not necessarily mean a private parking charge should be accepted, particularly where the circumstances fall within the new 10-minute grace period. Motorists should therefore pay close attention to the entry, parking and exit times shown on any Parking Charge Notice and supporting evidence before deciding what action to take.