Government Private Parking Code of Practice / PPSA 2019 leverage

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 mandated a single statutory Code of Practice for private parking. The Code (initially published Feb 2022, withdrawn after legal challenge by BPA/IPC, and under revision) is expected to cap charges at £50/£100 (depending on category), require a 10-min grace period, and standardise signage. As of 2024-2026 the formal Code has not yet been finalised due to litigation; however, the BPA Single Code of Practice (Oct 2023, in force for AOS members) and IPC Code apply. The DLUHC consultation responses and the original 2022 Code are persuasive evidence of what 'fair' looks like. Citing the upcoming statutory Code in correspondence puts moral and reputational pressure on operators.

Legal basis

Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019; The Private Parking Code of Practice (Feb 2022, withdrawn 2022 — but as published guidance); BPA Single Code of Practice 2023; IPC Code; AvocaTax Ltd v Excel Parking ongoing case law

How to identify this in your case

Charge exceeds £100; grace period under 10 min; signage non-compliant; operator is BPA or IPC member.

Sample appeal wording

Dear [OPERATOR], Re: PCN [REF] I note that the charge of £[AMOUNT] exceeds the £[50/100] cap proposed in the Government's Private Parking Code of Practice (originally published February 2022 under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019), and breaches the BPA Single Code of Practice 2023 / IPC Code in respect of [grace period / signage / cap]. Although the statutory Code has not yet entered final force (litigation pending), the Code and the BPA/IPC industry codes constitute a benchmark of fair practice. Continued enforcement of a charge that breaches the benchmark is not 'fair' under section 62 Consumer Rights Act 2015 and is contrary to BPA/IPC AOS membership terms — a referral matter for [DVLA KADOE Compliance / BPA / IPC]. I require: (a) Cancellation of the charge or reduction to the Code-compliant level; (b) Confirmation in writing within 14 days. Yours faithfully, [NAME]

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

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Sources

Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019
DLUHC Private Parking Code of Practice (Feb 2022)
BPA Single Code of Practice 2023