New UK car parking rules to give drivers greater protection against unfair fines

Motorists across Salisbury and the wider UK are set to benefit from new private parking rules designed to tackle unfair charges, improve the appeals process and give drivers greater protection when things go wrong.

The government announced the new Private Parking Code of Practice on 19 October, with the code formally laid before Parliament on 20 October 2026. It aims to raise standards across the private parking industry and make parking rules fairer for motorists.

One of the main changes is the introduction of a minimum five-minute consideration period. This will give drivers time to read the parking conditions, decide whether to stay and leave if they do not wish to accept the terms.

Drivers will also benefit from a minimum 10-minute grace period after their paid parking session ends at most private car parks. This is intended to give motorists reasonable time to return to their vehicles and leave without immediately facing a parking charge. Short-stay car parks offering parking for less than 30 minutes are excluded from this grace-period requirement.

The new code also addresses situations where motorists receive parking charges because of circumstances outside their control. Charges should be cancelled on appeal where the driver can provide evidence that a qualifying situation covered by the code applies.

Examples include stopping briefly to check directions, experiencing a vehicle breakdown, dealing with a medical emergency or being unable to pay because a parking machine is not working.

The rules will also introduce greater protection for motorists who make minor mistakes when using private car parks. Drivers who enter the wrong vehicle registration, forget to display a permit or fail to confirm their registration at a payment machine could have their charge reduced to a maximum of £20 on appeal where the relevant conditions are met.

The government says the changes are intended to distinguish genuine mistakes from more serious parking violations. However, motorists should still follow the instructions displayed at each car park and keep evidence of payment, permits or any circumstances that may support an appeal.

The code will apply to private parking operators across England, Scotland and Wales. Operators will also be required to report information about the charges they issue and the outcomes of appeals, allowing standards across the industry to be monitored more closely.

A new independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board is also planned to oversee the system and help ensure the rules are followed. Parking operators that fail to comply with the code could face consequences affecting their access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data.

The new requirements are not yet fully in force. The government says the code has been laid before Parliament for a 40-day period and is expected to be issued on 30 November 2026, provided there are no parliamentary objections. It is due to come into force 21 calendar days after it is issued.

The changes relate specifically to private parking facilities and the charges issued by their operators. Drivers using Wiltshire Council car parks or parking on public roads should continue to check the relevant council tariffs, signs and local restrictions, as the private parking code does not replace every existing parking rule.

For motorists in Salisbury, the new measures could provide greater reassurance when using private car parks for shopping, appointments or visits to local businesses. Anyone who receives a parking charge should read the notice carefully, check the applicable rules and retain any evidence before submitting an appeal.

The government says the reforms follow a public consultation that received 4,526 responses from the public and industry. The final arrangements are intended to establish clearer minimum standards and make it easier for drivers to challenge charges they believe are unfair.

Motorists can read the official announcement and the full code on the government website at GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-puts-the-brakes-on-rip-off-parking-charges-and-car-scams