Government Launches Crackdown on ‘Unjust’ Private Parking Charges

The UK Government has initiated an eight-week consultation to launch a new strengthened Private Parking Code of Practice, aimed at raising industry standards and protecting motorists from unfair and confusing parking charges issued on private land.

Key Objectives:

  • Clear signage and mandatory grace periods: The proposed rules will ensure all private car parks display highly visible, easy-to-understand signage and provide drivers with a realistic period (grace time) to safely comply with parking terms.

  • Protection for vulnerable motorists: New provisions seek to support drivers in difficult or urgent situations (e.g. hospital visits) where they may have no reasonable choice but to breach parking terms.

  • Improved transparency and oversight: The consultation seeks input on data-sharing requirements for parking operators, independent oversight, and measures to hold non-compliant firms to account (such as losing access to DVLA vehicle keeper data). 

  • Charge and fee caps under review: The Government is considering whether parking charge levels and debt recovery fees are appropriate, inviting feedback on whether the current maximums remain fair and proportionate.

Context & Data:

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in private parking enforcement: over 12.8 million keeper requests were made in a single year, representing a 673% rise since 2012. Many drivers have reported experiencing unclear signage, payment machine errors, mobile signal problems and confusing terms — which the Government says have eroded trust. 

Implications for Landowners and Operators:

For properly accredited operators—those already following best practice guidelines—this development can be a positive signal. It may reinforce public trust in transparent, well-managed parking operations and differentiate compliant providers from poorer-performing ones. On the flip side, sites that rely on ambiguous terms, inadequate signage or aggressive enforcement tactics may face increased scrutiny and potential sanctions under the new regime.

What’s Next:

  • Consultation Window: The eight-week period is open for responses — from motorists, landowners, enforcement operators and other stakeholders.

  • Draft Code Development: After consultation closes, a new Code of Practice will be drafted under the powers of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 and published with compliance rules for private parking providers.

  • Landowner Consideration: If you’re a property owner or manager, it’s timely to review your site’s signage, parking terms, patrolling or enforcement arrangements and partner operators — ensuring you’re aligned with evolving industry standards.

Takeaway for Motorists & Landowners:

  • Motorists benefit from a stronger legal safety-net, clearer terms and fairer routes to appeal.

  • Landowners benefit from partnering with operators who can demonstrate full compliance and transparency — helping minimise disputes and protect customer experience.

  • Operators who adopt best-practice now stand to gain a competitive edge and demonstrate reliability under the forthcoming regulatory environment.

At ANPRODATA

At ANPRODATA, we welcome the Government’s renewed focus on fairness, transparency, and compliance within the private parking industry. As an International Parking Community (IPC) accredited operator, we already meet — and often exceed — the proposed standards outlined in the draft Code of Practice.

Fair Enforcement: Every Parking Charge Notice (PCN)
we issue is supported by clear photographic evidence and compliant signage across all managed sites.

Transparent Processes: Our How to Pay or Appeal a PCN guide ensures motorists always have access to straightforward, fair, and fully independent appeal routes.

Full Compliance: We maintain rigorous adherence to data protection laws, being ICO registered, and we uphold the industry’s highest ethical standards through the Independent Appeals Service (IAS).

Landowner Partnerships: For property owners, we deliver no-cost parking management solutions
that protect access, reduce misuse, and uphold customer satisfaction while ensuring all enforcement remains legally compliant.

We see this government initiative as a positive step that reinforces the values we’ve built our business on — fairness, clarity, efficiency, and compliance.
Learn more about our Parking Enforcement Policy
and how we continue to improve the parking experience for both motorists and landowners.

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