Parking Code of Practice Consultation 2025 - now let's see what happens

Coupon-mad

"The central point is straightforward: the Government is introducing a statutory Code with promises of independent oversight, yet the existing ATAs will continue policing their own members during an undefined transition period."

There was bound to be a transition period. That is not the central point and not a reason to write to MPs.

I've said what the red lights are IMHO and I will revert next week.

Papermate2

Thanks for your comment, and I completely understand where you are coming from.

That particular post was indeed the full, unedited Claude output, including some of its more unfathomable suggestions, which I posted purely for transparency. It was a very quick paste of my evidence to show how the AI presented it; I didn't expect anyone to actually use it as a template. I apologise if I confused the forum!

I appreciate the same critique could be applied to some of my own work, where I have used AI to try and refine my naturally wordy writing style. I have tried my best to present a watertight case, but I accept that the current format might not cut the mustard for this specific audience. Perhaps that’s why, despite the hundreds of hours of research, I haven't achieved the practical breakthrough I wanted yet.

I will pull back from the front line of drafting on this specific angle, but I remain here to help the campaign however I can. I do always work hard with the AI—I don’t just accept what it produces, and I try to edit and cajole it. But perhaps my desire to present every single hard fact means I get bogged down in the minutiae. If the consensus is that this style doesn't work for the current objective, I entirely accept that.

Your article above is brilliant. It’s short, punchy, and absolutely true. My own writing style would have inevitably got bogged down in the details you managed to bypass. I commend your effort, and it’s best I leave the press-release style to those who can present it much better than I can.

Thank you for your clear and constructive explanation.

Nellymoser

@Papermate2 thanks for your posts. It's always refreshing to hear new poster's views and ideas who's committed to the cause and I'm sure you know you won't be the only one in feeling you've achieved little after hours of research and hitting the keyboard composing letter after letter. It's certainly frustrating but don't lose heart 🙂

Nellymoser

Think we might have a bit of an uphill struggle convincing MPs to annul the Private Parking Code of Practice. Many have welcomed the newly announced statutory code, posting on social media "a win for drivers", even from those MPs who secured the Parking Regulation debate (May 2025) and participated in it.

Baggy Shanker's video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeuixXuuOI_/?l=1

I've already emailed my MP no reply yet. She's a new MP so I felt it would be helpful to name one of her party colleagues, a current MP who supported The Parking (CoP) Bill when it began it's journey through Parliament in 2017. I also included the links below incase she was interested in reading further🤞

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-letter-to-government-in-relation-to-private-parking

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/private-parking-code-of-practice-2026

https://www.which.co.uk/policy-and-insight/article/the-publics-view-on-parking-fines-aWZTr5B5nHLQ

Nellymoser

New Private Parking Code of Practice: Seven Years of Waiting!

https://thecomplainingcow.co.uk/new-private-parking-code-of-practice/

This 3 day old article covers the key points in the CoP and the long and sorry history. Read the MHCLG response to questions asked

● why, 3 yrs after the call for evidence closed and more than a year after that consultation ended, is another consultation needed in 2027 before deciding whether to reduce or abolish the fees?! What information is still missing, and when will motorists receive a final decision?!

● when will the code come into force and if operators will have a transition period?

● when will the independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board become operational?

● when will the further consultations on debt recovery fees and the remaining CMA recommendations open with expected closure and implementation?

● parking charges in Scotland?

The article sadly didn't question MHCLG on a single appeals service or how operators will lose access to the DVLA records.

POPLA appeal statistics are provided/discussed, IAS were not even mentioned.

Papermate2

I wrote to my MP and he replied:

"I have written to the Government about it and once I receive a reply I will, of course, forward a copy on to you."

I suggested that might be too late and he replied:

"As requested, I confirm that I have received it and read its contents. I will  the concerns that you highlight with the Minister, if I get the opportunity to do so."

 Six days later, here is an extract from my MP's monthly newsletter:

"Finally, I was pleased that the Government announced new plans to
tackle unfair private parking charges. Since I was elected, I have
been contacted by numerous constituents who have faced
unreasonable and excessive parking penalties.
The plans will include measures such as a guaranteed five minutes to
decide whether to park and 10 minutes to leave without facing a
penalty, as well as the cancellation of charges for issues drivers cannot
control, such as vehicle breakdowns in car parks. Penalties will be capped at £20 on appeal, and the Code freezes the maximum fine at £100
I have also previously written an article for LabourList advocating similar measures, which I will include in the email below this
newsletter." No mention of £70 Debt Collection here, but see link below to article.

https://labourlist.org/2026/07/drivers-shops-and-high-streets-deserve-a-fair-parking-system/

Extract from the LabourList with Debt Collection issue:

"This would follow a structure outlined by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), similar to speeding fines – requiring photographic evidence, a user-friendly appeal system, removing debt recovery fees, and a clear legal cap within a legally fixed graduated penalty structure, with penalties invalid where these standards are not met, where charges start lower and only increase if payment is delayed".