Andy Burnham outlines new rules to outlaw ‘rip-off’ private parking fines

Andy Burnham has outlined a new code of practice for private car parks, intended to curb unfair fines and give drivers clearer rights. The changes respond to widespread complaints and a sharp rise in tickets, though the consumer group Which? says the proposed protections do not go far enough.

Drivers would get five minutes to decide whether to park and 10 minutes to leave after their session ends. Fines would be cancelled on appeal for honest mistakes or emergencies, while charges for smaller errors such as a missing permit would be capped at £20. The maximum standard charge remains £100, and the code’s start date is unclear; the government plans to consult next year on overdue-payment fees, currently capped at £70. The RAC reported 16.9 million private parking tickets in 2025-26, up 17% in a year.