What's next for the regulation of private parking?
MPs took part in Westminster debate as Government promises consultation and publication of its regulatory code
On Tuesday May 6th, MPs in Westminster debated Parking Regulation, specifically the private parking sector, single code of practice, and when implementation of the Government’s Private Parking Code of Practice can be expected.
The debate highlighted MPs’ concerns about private parking companies issuing unfair parking charge notices (PCN) and the current Sector Single Code of Practice, with an overall consensus that there was an urgent need to reform private parking enforcement. MPs appealed to the Government to expedite the implementation of a legally binding code of practice, ensuring fair treatment for motorists and restoring public trust in parking regulations.
The Private Parking Code of Practice contained guidance on the operation and management of private parking facilities in England, Scotland and Wales. First published by the Government on 7 February 2022 but later withdrawn on 7 June 2022, it set requirements for private parking operators to follow when enforcing parking restrictions on private land.
Since its withdrawal, the BPA has published the private parking sector single Code of Practice to be used across the entire private parking sector. This new single Code delivers greater transparency and consistency for the benefit of motorists.
It also set up the Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP), providing an impartial oversight mechanism to ensure the single Code raises standards for consumers. It will also fast-track updates to the Code to reflect technological advancements and better protect consumers.
Alex Norris, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government concluded the debate by stating that government’s goal was to “find a proper balance to ensure that parking charges and debt recovery fees are fair and proportionate, while providing an effective deterrent against the small number of people who deliberately do not comply.”
He went on to state that a consultation would be published shortly to outline where the Government currently stands and that they want the code “to work, deliver and hold up….and “it will be published shortly.”
The BPA will meet with the Minister and MPs who spoke in the debate and remains dedicated to building trust and transparency through continuous improvements and higher standards.
The private parking sector plays a vital role in managing parking spaces effectively, with current data showing that 99.77% of parking events occur without incident. This update is a positive step for motorists, ensuring that parking rules keep pace with technological advancements and prevent nuisance and inconsiderate parking, whilst protecting compliant drivers.
Hansard: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-05-06/debates/DE2A42ED-5A2B-49E3-835E-CFD8ADB3806B/ParkingRegulation
Watch: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/8f99a416-40a5-4c75-b9b6-d3234774a25c