UK parking rules may change as industry groups review the controversial five-minute payment rule for drivers
Derby: So, it looks like UK drivers might be in for some big changes when it comes to parking rules. Industry groups are stepping up to review that pesky five-minute payment rule that’s been causing a lot of headaches.
Recently, private parking companies have decided to update their code of conduct after a driver got slapped with a hefty fine for taking too long to pay. This driver, Rosey Hudson, was taken to court for over £1,900 just because she couldn’t pay quickly enough due to a poor mobile signal.
The British Parking Association and the International Parking Community are teaming up to form a new panel. They want to make sure the code protects drivers who struggle to pay on time. Plus, they’re looking to speed up updates to keep up with tech changes.
It’s been reported that drivers in the UK are racking up over 41,000 parking tickets a day from private companies. That’s a staggering 3.8 million tickets in just a few months! Each ticket can cost up to £100, which adds up to a jaw-dropping £4.1 million daily.
Back in 2019, there was a bill aimed at creating a government-backed code for private parking, but it got pulled after some legal pushback from parking companies. This code would have made things fairer for drivers, like cutting ticket caps and improving the appeals process.
Now, with the new panel in place, the BPA and IPC are hoping to clean up their act. They’re keen to show they’re serious about raising standards and making necessary changes when issues pop up.
But not everyone is convinced. The RAC’s Rod Dennis pointed out that the private parking industry is already having to rethink its code just months after it was introduced. He believes a proper official code is long overdue to protect drivers better.
