The Government has launched a new consultation that could change the way private parking fines are issued and appealed. It’s part of a proposed Private Parking Code of Practice designed to protect drivers from unfair charges and poor practices by some operators, and is good news if you’ve ever been stung by unexpected charges.
Among the proposals are clearer rules, more transparent signage, a standardised appeals process and a possible cap on debt recovery fees. The current £100 maximum charge (with a 40% discount if paid within 14 days) could remain, but the appeals process could be overhauled to support drivers who had no reasonable choice but to break parking rules.
The consultation runs until 5 September 2025. If you’ve ever been caught out by confusing terms, poor signage or an appeal that went nowhere, this is your chance to speak up and help shape a fairer system for everyone.
A chance to fight back
Private parking charges have surged in recent years, with DVLA data requests from parking companies rising from 1.9 million in 2012 to 12.8 million in 2024. That’s not just a number – it’s a clear sign that more and more drivers are being stung by charges they often feel are unjust, poorly explained, or impossible to appeal.
More than 35 million of us rely on cars every day – to get to work, go shopping, pick up the kids, or visit family. Parking is part of everyday life. Yet too often, it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Whether it’s unclear signage, broken machines, or a signal dropout when using an app, it’s far too easy to fall foul of the rules without even knowing you’ve done anything wrong. And when the fine lands on your doormat, it can feel like there’s no way to fight it.
That’s what this Government consultation is all about: finally changing a system that so many of us find intolerable. It’s a rare opportunity to push for better protections, fairer charges, and a process that puts the driver first – not the profits of a faceless parking firm.
The proposed new rules include things like a mandatory grace period before fines kick in, proper oversight of appeals, clearer signs, and penalties for companies who don’t stick to the rules. If they fall short, they could even lose access to DVLA data – effectively stopping them from sending fines at all. That’s a big deal.
But nothing will change unless enough drivers speak up. The consultation is open to everyone. Your voice could help shape a system that works for drivers, not just enforcement firms.
What this means for you
This consultation is a rare chance to push for something better. You could see fairer rules, improved signage and an appeals process that genuinely works in your favour. There’s even talk of making appeals successful when you can prove you had no choice but to park.
The system might finally be held to account, with a new oversight board keeping tabs on the worst offenders. But change will only happen if drivers speak up and have their say.
How to respond to the consultation
The consultation is open and takes just a few minutes to complete. Anyone can respond – not just industry insiders. You don’t need to be an expert. Just share your experience with private parking fines and what you think needs to change. Every response counts.
👉 Click here to have your say on the Private Parking Code of Practice
Editor’s view: Nothing will change if we don’t speak up
Let’s be honest – private parking charges have got out of control. We regularly hear from Parkers readers who’ve been caught out by dodgy signs, camera errors or overzealous enforcement, and our advice page on appealing a ticket is constantly busy.
This consultation might just be the reset button drivers have been crying out for. A proper code of practice, better appeals and actual oversight? Yes please.
So, if you’ve ever felt ripped off by a private parking fine, now’s your chance to push back. It only takes a few minutes to respond – and it could make a big difference.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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