Will a new code end 'rip-off parking charges'?
The prime minister says a new code will end "rip-off parking charges" - but will it work?
Rosey Greenwood, faced with mounting debt collectors, was told she owed £1,906 for parking at a Derby car park. She had paid each time she parked but had unknowingly violated the car park's terms, requiring payment within five minutes of entering. Rosey, already planning for her marriage and first home, could not afford the charge and sought assistance.
Her story gained attention in Parliament after being raised by Catherine Atkinson, who dubbed the charges a "five-minute rip-off." The government responded by introducing a new Private Parking Code of Practice to protect drivers from such unfair practices. However, the code largely mirrors the existing sector standards, with minor additions like a 10-minute grace period and a maximum charge of £100, reduced to £20 upon appeal in certain circumstances.
The government also aims to regulate debt recovery fees, potentially reducing the £70 fee to £20, though both the AA and RAC argue the code falls short.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
