A newly established panel is set to oversee the UK’s private parking Sector Single Code of Practice (the Code).
A key priority will be to urgently review the recent media case where a motorist was being taken to court after taking longer than 5 minutes to pay for parking, a case that has subsequently been dubbed ‘the five minute payment rule’.
The Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP) will provide an impartial oversight mechanism to ensure the Code raises standards for consumers. It will also fast-track updates to the Code to reflect technological advancements and better protect consumers.
The panel’s first major action will be a revision to the Code that protects genuine motorists who have difficulty making prompt payment on entry. This urgent reform is aimed at ensuring fairness for motorists and will come into effect by February 2025.
The private parking sector plays a crucial role in managing parking spaces. Current data indicates that over 99.77% of parking events are compliant and free from dispute, but the Panel aims to build further trust and transparency in the system with elevated standards.
Andrew Pester, Chief Executive of the British Parking Association said: “The formation of this panel is an important step in delivering consistency to the oversight of the private parking sector Single Code of Practice. We want to demonstrate that not only are we serious about raising standards but also making decisive changes to the code when issues arise.”
Pic: Richard Johnson UK/Dreamstime.com
