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A new statutory Private Parking Code of Practice is expected to come into force on 21 December 2026, introducing updated requirements for private parking operators and additional protections for motorists and vehicle rental and leasing businesses.
The Government laid the Code before Parliament on 20 October. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, it is expected to replace the existing industry code and introduce minimum standards covering parking charges, appeals and operator conduct. Changes include a minimum ten-minute grace period at the end of a permitted parking period, a £100 cap on parking charges and clearer arrangements for challenging notices.
Of particular relevance to BVRLA members is an explicit requirement for private parking operators to provide a process enabling rental and leasing companies to transfer liability for parking charges to customers who hired their vehicles. Members will still need to meet applicable legal requirements when transferring liability.
The BVRLA is seeking a meeting with the British Parking Association (BPA) to discuss the new Code and the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, which sets out good practice for private parking operators issuing notices involving BVRLA members.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have also been raised during parliamentary discussions on the Highways (Financing) Bill. Giving oral evidence this week, BVRLA's Policy and Public Affairs Director Thomas McLennan highlighted the administrative burden that PCNs place on members and warned that proposals for barrierless tolling could increase the volume of notices businesses receive. He explained that the association's support for the Bill would depend on a clear and consistent policy framework across different schemes, including the ability for members to transfer liability.
The BVRLA continues to work with members on these issues through its PCN Working Group. Members interested in joining the group can contact Freddie Poston.
Members can also read the Government's Private Parking Code of Practice for further details.
Also see the BVRLA’s Penalty Charge Notice Masterclass instructor-led course; the course helps members’ staff manage Penalty Charge Notices quickly, accurately, and compliantly, navigate all penalty regimes, transfer liability correctly, and challenge enforcement decisions effectively.
