Review promised after five-minute parking fine

Private parking companies have promised to change the rules to ensure motorists are not penalised if they do not pay to park within five minutes.

It follows the case of Rosey Hudson, who was taken to court last year after accumulating £1,906 in fines for taking more than five minutes to pay for parking in Derby.

She received 10 Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) in the space of several days after walking away from her car in order to find phone reception so she could use an app to pay for a space.

Industry bodies the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) says that the new panel will be established to oversee the UK Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice, with an urgent review of the five-minute payment rule a priority.

The Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP) aims 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, says the BPA and IPC.

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, which will come into effect by February.

Andrew Pester, chief executive of the British Parking Association (BPA), 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.”

Alongside addressing the 5-minute payment rule, the panel will regularly review and enhance the code to improve standards for motorists and operators, as well as monitoring decisions made by independent adjudicators for consistency.

It will also develop and enforce a consistent scheme of sanctions to ensure fair application of the code, engage with consumer groups and government for a full code review by April, and regularly meet with Consumer groups to hear motorists voice and concerns.

Current data indicates that more than 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.

Will Hurley, CEO of the International Parking Community (IPC), said: “The creation of the panel shows the commitment the industry has to improving the reputation of our sector. 

“We must not forget the valuable service we provide to ensure the vast majority of people can park when and where they need to.”

Panel members will be confirmed by January 31.