New parking rules are 'concerning' and may have 'unintended consequences' for drivers
PARKING chiefs warn new rules announced by the Government today could have unintended consequences" for motorists".
Martin Lewis explains council and private company parking fines
Experts at the British Parking Association (BPA) said they are “deeply concerned” by the new rules changes despite promises that fees for drivers could be slashed. The Government has promised a range of new parking measures as part of a new crackdown on private firms.
Under the changes, private car parks will have to display their prices more clearly and introduce a 10 minute grace period for drivers who arrive back slightly late.
Most fines in England, Scotland and Wales will also be capped at just £50 instead of the current £100 charge.
A higher £70 and £100 charge will remain but these will only be issued for serious breaches such as parking in Blue Badge bays.
Parking firms will also need to introduce a new five minute “cooling-off period” where drivers can change their mind and cancel a ticket.
READ MORE: Ministers 'actively considering' new parking laws with fines of £70
However, Andrew Pester, Chief Executive of the British Parking Association warned an “effective deterrent” was needed to stop drivers from breaking the rules.
He has called on the Government to “urgently reconsider” its new proposals immediately.
He said: "We are deeply concerned by the unintended consequences for motorists, landowners and our sector following the proposals put forward by the UK Government today.
"Our evidence demonstrates the need for an effective deterrent to encourage compliance with private parking rules and deter anti-social parking.
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“Importantly, motorists who do comply with parking rules will find it more difficult to park, will see free parking reduced and will have to pay higher tariffs.
"We call on the Government to urgently reconsider its proposals as the latest research shows that they will negatively impact the British economy and risk thousands of jobs.
"We welcome the Parking (Code of Practice) Act and measures to introduce a single code, standards setting body and an independent appeals service.
“However, for this package of measures to be sustainable, there needs to be an effective deterrent to encourage compliance with parking rules, which are there for everyone’s benefit.”
Other new changes will make it easier for drivers to challenge their tickets if there are mitigating circumstances.
Drivers will also be issued a 50 percent discount if they pay a penalty fee within 14 days.
This means penalties could drop as low as £25 if motorists are quick to react to a charge.
Minister for Leveling Up Neil O’Brien said the new changes would keep with the “interest of safe motorists”.
He said: “Private firms issue roughly 22,000 parking tickets every day, often adopting a system of misleading and confusing signage, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees designed to extort money from motorists.
"[Our] new Code Of Practice will set out a clear vision with the interests of safe motorists at its heart, while cracking down on the worst offenders."