New parking regulations are to be introduced

NEW parking rules have resulted in a warning to drivers so they don’t get caught.

A new code of conduct for private car park operators was introduced in February and will change the way drivers are penalized for violators.

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The updated regulations aim to clean up the industry and remove some harsh penalties for drivers who commit innocent mistakes.

Fines are to be reduced, grace periods extended and the objection service streamlined.

Operators who refuse to follow the changes will be banned from accessing driver and vehicle registration authority data.

Fines across England (excluding London) and Wales will be reduced from £100 to £70 or £50 depending on the offence, car car reports.

Drivers who can pay 50 percent are offered within 14 days Discount.

The maximum fine of £100 will remain in place for motorists violating Blue Badge Bay abuse or for trespassing on private property.

Debt collectors chasing fines names of operators no longer be able to add their own excess charges, which can reach up to £70.

New rules allow drivers five minutes before the clock starts ticking in a parking lot.

A grace period of 10 minutes is also granted at the end to make up for any unexpected delays.

The changes mean operators under the two major trade bodies – the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) – will be held accountable by the same committee.

Drivers must bear in mind that the Single Appeal service is expected to be introduced in late 2023, so should still contact the issuing company directly with any concerns.

Currently, the BPA Complaints Service is the on-property parking complaints service operated by the Ombudsman Services.

The independent body, authorized by state regulators Ofgem and Ofcom, aims to resolve disputes.

One in 10 contested fines is cancelled.

The Independent Appeals Service manages the IPC’s disputes, although it is a branch within the same company.

IPC Founder and CEO Will Hurley said, “As a Competent Authority of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, it is properly accredited and we seek to ensure that it is truly independent.”

Around a quarter of the disputed IPC tickets are cancelled.

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