Burnham outlines new rules to end 'rip-off' private parking charges

Summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised to end 'rip-off' private parking charges with new rules. He said a new official code of practice for the industry would give motorists in England, Scotland and Wales a range of new rights, and described it as one of a series of 'everyday fixes' to ease the cost of living and give consumers a 'fairer' deal. Under the rules, drivers would get a guaranteed five minutes to decide whether to park and 10 minutes to leave after their parking session ends before they could face a fine. The BBC reports that the changes come after concerns that penalties issued by private providers are too harsh and leave motorists unfairly punished.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   19 Oct 2026, 21:30 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Burnham outlined new rules to outlaw 'rip-off' private parking fines, giving drivers five minutes to decide whether to park and 10 minutes to leave after their session ends before facing a fine, under a new official code of practice for England, Scotland and Wales.

2. BBC

   20 Oct 2026, 08:55 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that Burnham vowed to end 'rip-off parking charges' under new rules, which follow concerns that penalties issued by private providers are too harsh and leave motorists unfairly punished.