AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: “This change to the self-authored code by private parking operators only highlights the urgent necessity to implement the Government-backed code of practice alongside a truly independent single appeals process and oversight board.
The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) confirmed an update to their code of conduct, effective from Monday, will introduce a "safeguard" for motorists experiencing payment delays.
Private parking firms say they will stop fining drivers who take too long to pay Motoring groups say the move will not stop ‘shark-like’ companies from fining customers.
The change comes after incidents, such as one reported by the BBC in November 2024, where a woman faced legal action over a £1,906 parking fine after poor mobile phone signal meant she repeatedly took more than five minutes to pay after entering a car park in Derby.
Motorists using private car parks will no longer be penalised for delayed payment, as long as they pay before exiting, two industry bodies have announced.
