Every driver warned about new parking rules coming into force from October

Changes will aim to ensure greater fairness for motorists

Drivers are being made aware of new rules being introduced for private car parks. Changes will mean car park operators will have to give motorists a 10-minute grace period once their time is up.

It will also be made easier for irate drivers to appeal fines they feel are unfair. A new code of practice for operators has come into effect from October 1, though sites have until 2026 to comply so motorists may not feel the benefits straight away.

The change has been launched in a bid to deliver more fairness for motorists following reports of them being targeted or unfairly punished. For example, wardens may be waiting to hand out fines immediately once the time runs out, when someone may be running late returning to their car.

READ MORE: Over a million drivers told they will pay £30 more from October 1

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Authorities are now clamping down on what they see as unscrupulous behaviour by some operators. Chris Adams, group operations Director at Brindley Group, explained: "The IPC (International Parking Community) and BPA (British Parking Association) have introduced a few main changes to make sure that motorists are being treated fairly, with the aim of raising standards and transparency for the benefit of drivers.

"The most notable rule being introduced is a 10-minute grace period. This allows for an additional 10 minutes at the end of your parking session, before a fine will be issued by either ANPR systems or a parking warden.

"As well as this, an Appeals Charter has been introduced, which creates clear parameters for a driver to appeal against a parking fine. Coupling this with consistent rules that private parking operators must abide by will mean that motorists are no longer being slapped with unfair parking charges with little recourse.

"To appeal an unfair ticket, you should first appeal to the car park operator. If this isn’t successful, you can appeal to the trade association that the car park is a member of, which is either the BPA or IPC. Signage will also have to be clear to aid motorists when they’re parking on private land."