UK Private Parking Code: 5-Minute Grace Period Explained

The UK Private Parking Code unveiled by Prime Minister Andy Burnham on 19 October 2026 gives drivers in England, Scotland and Wales a guaranteed five minutes to decide whether to park and ten minutes to leave after their session ends before a private parking charge can be issued. The code, laid before Parliament on 20 October 2026 under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, is the latest in Burnham's series of everyday cost-of-living fixes and follows a record 16.9 million private parking tickets issued in 2025-26, up 17% in a year, according to official government data.

What is the UK Private Parking Code?

The UK Private Parking Code is a statutory code of practice covering private car parks in England, Scotland and Wales. It does not apply to council-run car parks or public on-street penalty charge notices. The code fulfils a long-delayed legal duty under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 and creates one set of rules for private parking operators, including a new independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board. The GOV.UK announcement warns that non-compliant operators risk losing access to DVLA vehicle keeper data.

How do the five-minute and ten-minute grace periods work?

The centrepiece of the code is a two-stage grace period. Drivers receive five minutes on arrival to read signage and decide whether to stay, and ten minutes after their paid session ends to leave. No private parking charge notices can be issued during these windows.

• Five-minute consideration period: read terms and decide without penalty.
• Ten-minute exit grace period: leave after the session ends without a charge.

What else changes for motorists?

Beyond grace periods, the code cancels charges on appeal for circumstances outside a driver's control, including breakdowns, medical emergencies, broken ticket machines and brief stops to check directions. Honest mistakes such as entering the wrong registration or forgetting to display a permit are capped at £20 on appeal.

• Maximum private parking charge frozen at £100, with a 40% early-payment discount.
• Specified honest mistakes capped at £20 on appeal.
• Charges cancelled for breakdowns, medical emergencies and faulty machines.
• New independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board; non-compliance risks DVLA access.

Why Burnham says the code matters

Burnham said the measures would put the brakes on rip-off parking charges and give motorists a fairer deal. The change is part of a wider package of cost-of-living policies from the government, which has already announced bus fare cuts in England and support for apprenticeships. The Guardian reported that private firms issued a record 16.9 million tickets in 2025-26, up 17% in a year.

Criticism and what happens next

Consumer group Which? criticised the government for keeping the £100 maximum charge, declining an independent appeals body and not acting on debt recovery fees, which remain capped at £70. Ministers say a consultation on those fees will be held next year. The code still faces a 40-day parliamentary scrutiny period plus 21 days before commencement, so full enforcement by private parking operators is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UK Private Parking Code?

It is a statutory code covering private car parks in England, Scotland and Wales, setting grace periods, appeal rights and charge caps for private parking operators.

Does the five-minute grace period apply to council car parks?

No. The code applies only to private car parks, not council-run parking or public on-street penalty charge notices.

What happens if I make an honest mistake entering my registration?

On appeal, the charge is capped at £20 for specified honest mistakes such as entering the wrong registration or forgetting to display a permit.

Can operators still charge £100?

Yes, the maximum charge remains £100, but charges must be cancelled on appeal for circumstances outside your control and honest mistakes are capped at £20.

When does the new code take effect?

After a 40-day parliamentary scrutiny period plus 21 days, expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Conclusion

The UK Private Parking Code marks the government's biggest intervention in private parking enforcement since the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019. While drivers gain clearer grace periods and appeal rights, debate over the £100 cap and debt recovery fees is likely to continue into next year's consultation.