PARKING MAD
You can avoid paying £100 fine in a car park with a little-known new loophole – here’s how it’s possible
It comes after the BPA released a set of new guidelines for car parks
THE little-known loophole can help motorists avoid paying £100 in a car park after the new rules saw the fines double.
Drivers could be charged extra in parking fines under the new regulations but there is a way to avoid splurging the hefty sum.
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Two of the UK's largest organisations representing private parking companies have recently published their much-heralded Code of Practice.
The BPA has released a number of new guidelines that will take effect in October and regulate its parking lots and the conduct of its parking wardens.
Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to release a single sector Code across our private parking sector.
“This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists.
“We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all.”
There is a 10-minute grace period for drivers to get back to their car after the expiry of a permit before a ticket is issued, as well as the new appeals process that had been promised by the organisation.
The brand-new "Appeals Charter" will establish a "clear way" for drivers to challenge an unjust or inaccurate parking fine.
But, the regulations came under fire for an increase in the cap on minimum fines to £100.
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That's double the limit brought in by the Government in 2022 - which was quickly withdrawn amid an outcry from the parking sector.
It also means that the base amount of a fine can be up to £100, rising well above that if not paid within 14 days.
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However, the recent change could also pave the way for you to avoid receiving a parking ticket in BPA.
One of the clauses states that car parks are required to have a "clear signage to help motorists navigate parking on private land".
Although most NCP parking lots, along with Cleanpark UK, Debit My Mobile and local councils, will likely have clear signage, the rule still stands.
And the specified requirement could come in handy when you need to get out of the fine - just make sure to look out for signage, or its absence.
The Code of Practice
HERE's the new regulations introduced by the BPA and IPC
- Introduces an Appeals Charter, creating clear parameters for motorists to appeal against a parking charge
- Maintains a cap on the parking charge at £100 reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days
- Mandates a 10-minute grace period for motorists
- Provides consistent rules for private parking operators
- Requires clear signage to help motorists navigate parking on private land.
- Ensures the protection of the most vulnerable in society, with no decrease to the deterrent for abuse of Blue Badge bays or those who choose to park selfishly, putting their own convenience above the needs or rights of others.
It comes as the top-10 most expensive councils have been revealed in a map.
Drivers could be set back by up to £7 an hour as prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
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On the bright side, motorists could be offered free parking today only as millions are set to drive to the polls.
Drivers will be able to decide the nation's future without fear of a ticket - but you have to act now to access the discount.