Drivers will get new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges under new rules, including a guaranteed five minutes to decide whether to park and ten minutes to leave once their session ends. The changes, set out in the new Private Parking Code of Practice, also give motorists the right to have charges cancelled on appeal for issues they cannot control.
What Counts as an Unfair Parking Ticket?
Money Saving Expert (MSE) says motorists may not need to "automatically pay" private parking charges. The site argues that if the ticket seems unfair, disputing it is often the smartest option. The rules are different, however, if the notice has been issued by a public authority.
MSE, founded by Martin Lewis, notes that there are "various reasons a parking ticket may be unfair." In its blog, updated on October 20 2026, it lists several scenarios, including if you weren't on private land, if you didn't break any rules, if there was no or insufficient signage, or if there were mitigating circumstances.
New Rights Under the Private Parking Code
In a blog post by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, published on October 19, it states that drivers are to get "new rights to challenge unfair private parking charges." Written on Gov.uk, it explains motorists will have charges scrapped on appeal for honest mistakes, like stopping briefly to check directions, and for situations like a medical emergency, breakdown or broken ticket machine.
For smaller slip-ups, like forgetting a parking permit, entering the wrong vehicle's registration or forgetting to confirm it in the machine when parking, drivers will face a maximum charge of £20 on appeal. The Code also freezes the maximum parking charge at £100.
Government and Industry Response
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Being a few minutes late back to your car or typing one digit of your number plate wrong shouldn't end with a hefty fine landing on your doormat." He added: "These charges leave people feeling ripped off and out of pocket, so I'm putting a stop to them."
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: "Parking should be straightforward, not another everyday hassle." The code will apply in England, Scotland and Wales, and operators will have to report data on the charges they issue and how appeals are handled. The changes follow a public consultation that ran from July to September 2025 and received 4,526 responses from the public and industry.
