New change will affect all UK drivers who use private car parks

A new 'rule' change that will take effect next week will affect people who use private car parks.

Currently, motorists risk receiving tickets if they fail to pay for parking within a certain time after their arrival. However, private parking companies have now vowed to cease issuing fines to drivers who exceed the time limit.

Industry bodies the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have announced they will update their code of conduct on Monday to provide a 'safeguard' when motorists experience delays.

They said drivers should no longer be issued tickets for using privately owned car parks where a fixed camera monitors when cars enter and exit, as long as they pay before they leave.

It comes after a woman was being taken to court by a private parking company for £1,906, according to the BBC. Poor mobile phone signal meant she repeatedly took more than five minutes to pay after entering a car park in Derby.

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: “It is crucial that there is a mechanism to identify and resolve issues quickly. I am pleased that the panel has acted swiftly to introduce safeguards for motorists.

“It is important drivers play their part by reading and following instructions on signage when parking their vehicle.”

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: “It is a real testament to the (panel) that this change has been implemented so efficiently. The parking sector is always striving to ensure it operates in the interest of compliant motorists and to ensure that parking is fairly managed for all.

“This change is another important step in achieving this.”

The change will not affect council run car parks, or those where wardens are used. While motoring groups have