Driving law changes may see 'confusing' parking rules scrapped
New parking rules could be introduced following a consultation.
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The Government has announced a new public consultation in a bid to “protect drivers’ interests” when using private car parks.
The eight-week call for evidence is aimed at changing the amount of money people are charged in parking fines and altering the system of debt recovery fees.
One of the key suggestions put forward was to reduce the current £100 charge limit to £50, halving the cost of fines for millions of motorists.
Debt recovery fees could be scrapped altogether as part of the process, with other alternative options potentially retaining existing limits.
The new consultation aims to create a fairer system for drivers.
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The result of this consultation is expected to form a large part of the long-awaited Private Parking Code of Practice.
It is hoped the much-anticipated update to parking rules will lead to fewer drivers being unfairly penalised.
A new Private Parking Code of Practice would look to address concerns around misleading signs, as well as firmly establishing rules for grace periods.
Commenting on the call for evidence, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, encouraged all drivers to take part in the consultation and make their voice heard.
He added: “Millions of people across the country use private car parks and we want this to continue without them having the fear of being slapped with unfair and costly charges.
“Our new Private Parking Code of Practice will put this right, delivering a much fairer system for drivers and industry - and today’s call for evidence is an important part of shaping this policy.”
One proposal would include retaining the current charge limit of £100 and including a 40 per cent discount for any drivers who pay the fine within 14 days.
The changing rules would also see geographical differences apply, with charges potentially being set at either £50 or £70 for England and Wales, while London will face charges of £80 and £130 depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Once the new Parking Code is introduced, motorists will be able to more easily challenge an unfair parking charge via an independent appeals service.
Dehenna Davison, Minister for Levelling Up, commented: “We all know how annoying parking can be – from driving around endlessly to being met with complicated signs and impossible terms and conditions.
“It’s needlessly confusing, and that’s why we’re pushing ahead with the Private Parking Code of Practice to create a fairer system.”
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A further parking consultation will be launched later this year.
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The Government hopes that the proposals put forward could lead to millions of motorists in England, Scotland and Wales going back to their local high streets and boost the economy.
The call for evidence is set to end on September 24, 2023, with a further consultation expected to be launched for parking charges and debt recovery fees.