A new loophole which affects people parking in private and council car parks who are members of the British Parking Association scheme has been put in place this month which could help save you a £100 fine.
The BPA has unveiled a raft of new rules which govern its car parks and how parking wardens in them have to operate which will be put in place in October.
Its new Code of Practice has several new rules, including the 10 minute ‘grace period’ before you’ll be issued a fine. And anew ‘Appeals Charter’ will also create a ‘clear way’ for motorists to appeal an unfair or incorrect parking fine.
Its members include NCP, as well as hundreds of other organisations across the UK including several local council car parks like Manchester, Buckinghamshire, Cardiff, Edinburgh and City of Westminster car parks.
But as part of the rules, there’s a new loophole which could help get you out of a parking ticket in BPA member car parks.
The changes in full include state that car parks “Require clear signage to help motorists navigate parking on private land.”
Clear signage is very likely to be the case in NCP car parks as well as various other car parks like Cleanpark UK, Debit My Mobile and local councils. But it’s still listed as a requirement under new BPA rules, as is the 10 minute grace period.
The new sector single Code in full states:
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Introduces an Appeals Charter, creating clear parameters for motorists to appeal against a parking charge
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Maintains a cap on the parking charge at £100 reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days
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Mandates a 10-minute grace period for motorists
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Provides consistent rules for private parking operators
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Requires clear signage to help motorists navigate parking on private land.
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Ensures the protection of the most vulnerable in society, with no decrease to the deterrent for abuse of Blue Badge bays or those who choose to park selfishly, putting their own convenience above the needs or rights of others.
Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to release a single sector Code across our private parking sector. This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists. We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all.”
Will Hurley, IPC Chief Executive Officer said: “This new Code will create positive change across the UK, enhancing the protection of the most vulnerable in society, whilst creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector.”
