New parking rules that all drivers need to know about and it's a 'positive change'

A new parking charter is kicking in today which will affect motorists nationwide. Its aim is to clamp down on rogue parking firms, who are able to make tens of millions of pounds in profit from issuing fines

Motorists and road users are being urged to stay alert as five new driving laws come into effect across UK roads in October. The changes include the introduction of a new parking charter that will have implications for drivers nationwide.

Will Hurley, IPC chief executive officer, commented on the new measures, stating they will bring about "positive change" throughout the UK by "enhancing the protection of the most vulnerable in society, whilst creating consistency and clarity for motorists and continuing to elevate standards across the sector".

However, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, criticised the new code, labelling it "watered down" and saying it falls "far short of the standards the AA, Government and consumer groups have called for across many years". He added: "This self-authored code doesn't acknowledge the need to cap charges and remove debt recovery fees,".

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Cousens further argued that these provisions are crucial in a government-backed code to shield innocent drivers from the predatory practices of private car park operators.

The new private parking code, crafted by the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPA), is set to be implemented from October 1. It introduces a 10-minute grace period for drivers, mandates clear signage from operators, and keeps the maximum parking charge at £100, which is reduced to £60 if paid within two weeks.

Andrew Pester, BPA chief executive, has hailed the new code as a "key milestone" for the industry, stating it will enable the delivery of "fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists". He added: "We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all."

Private car parking firms issue over 35,000 parking tickets daily on average, with RAC Foundation analysis revealing that at least 9.7 million tickets were handed out to drivers in Britain between April and December last year.

The new regulations will also ensure "consistent rules for private parking operators" regarding charges.

As of October 1, Ofgem's energy price cap has increased by 10 percent. Carmoola experts have warned that the cost of charging an electric car at home will jump from £13.41 to £14.70 - impacting electric vehicle drivers nationwide.

This seemingly small £1.29 increase, spread over a year, means road users would end up spending an extra £134 on charging.