UK Motorists Warned as Private Parking Firms Change Rules After £1,906 Fine Controversy

The UK’s private parking industry has introduced significant changes to its code of conduct following growing concerns over excessive fines.

The new rules, which came into effect on February 17, 2025, aim to provide more flexibility for motorists paying for parking, particularly in car parks monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

The changes follow the controversial case of Rosey Hudson, a motorist who was fined £1,906 for exceeding the previous five-minute payment rule. The case drew public outrage, prompting the industry to reassess its policies.

Here’s what drivers need to know about the new UK parking rules, how they work, and how to avoid fines.

The £1,906 Fine That Sparked Industry Reform

What Happened to Rosey Hudson?

Rosey Hudson frequently parked at Excel Parking’s Derby car park, where she experienced difficulties with the payment system.

Due to poor mobile signal and a faulty payment machine, she often had to walk to a different area to complete her parking payment via a mobile app.

Despite always paying in full, Hudson received ten parking charge notices, totaling £1,906. The fines were issued because she exceeded the five-minute rule, which required drivers to pay within five minutes of entering the car park.

Excel Parking defended the fines, arguing that Hudson “was the author of her own misfortune.” However, widespread backlash over her case put pressure on the private parking industry to change its rules.

What Has Changed? New UK Parking Rules Explained

The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC)—the two main industry trade groups—have updated their Code of Conduct.

Key Changes for Drivers

• No More Five-Minute Rule – Motorists using ANPR-monitored car parks can now pay before they exit, rather than within five minutes of arrival.
• More Payment Flexibility – If a driver experiences delays due to technical issues, poor signal, or queueing at a machine, they will not be fined as long as they pay before leaving.
• Clearer Signage Required – Car park operators must clearly display payment deadlines and terms to avoid confusion.

What Hasn’t Changed? The Remaining Risks for Drivers

While the new rules offer more protection for drivers, some key aspects of private parking enforcement remain:

1. Fines for Underpayment Still Apply

• If a driver pays for less time than they actually stayed, they can still be fined.
• Parking charges are calculated from the moment of entry to the time of exit—not from when payment is made.

2. Council-Run Car Parks Are Not Affected

• The rule change only applies to private car parks with ANPR systems.
• Council-run car parks and those without camera monitoring still operate under different rules.

3. Technical Issues May Still Cause Problems

• If a driver cannot pay due to a broken machine or app failure, they must document their attempts to challenge any fine.
• The International Parking Community (IPC) advises motorists to appeal unfair fines immediately with supporting evidence.

Are These Rules Legally Enforceable?

The updated parking rules are voluntary for members of the BPA and IPC. However, without a government-backed statutory code, some firms may still use aggressive enforcement tactics.

Why Is There No Legal Regulation Yet?

• In 2019, the UK government introduced the Private Parking Code of Practice to regulate the industry.
• However, in 2022, parking companies challenged the new rules in court, leading the government to pause implementation.
• The government plans to review the parking code in 2025, but for now, enforcement remains in the hands of private firms.

Latest Government Updates: Parliament.uk

How to Protect Yourself from Parking Fines

Even with the new rules, motorists must stay vigilant when parking in private car parks.

1. Always Check the Signs

• Read the terms and conditions before leaving your vehicle.
• Check if ANPR cameras are being used, as these affect the rules on payment timing.

2. Document Any Issues

• Take a photo of the parking sign and your payment receipt.
• If using a mobile app, take screenshots of any payment failures or delays.

3. Appeal Any Unfair Fines

• If fined unfairly, appeal immediately with photo evidence and a timeline of events.
• If rejected, escalate the appeal to POPLA (for BPA members) or the Independent Appeals Service (for IPC members).

Appeal a Fine: POPLA

Final Thoughts: Progress, But More Work Needed

The new UK parking rules mark a step forward in preventing unfair fines, particularly for drivers caught up in technical delays. However, with no legal enforcement, motorists must still be cautious and know their rights.

While the industry has promised fairer parking policies, consumer advocates continue to push for government-backed regulations to ensure consistent and transparent enforcement.

Until a statutory Parking Code of Practice is introduced, motorists should remain aware, prepared, and ready to challenge unfair penalties.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.