Joshua Nair
A number of huge changes to parking are coming into play in 2025, and you'll probably want to take note before finding a spot for your car when you're doing that Jan sales shopping.
We all know the struggles of firstly finding a parking spot, and secondly nipping in and out quickly enough to the shops to avoid getting fined for overstaying.
That desperate run back to the car with all the shopping has left us feeling like we've reached our exercise quota for the year, but it looks like that worry might be over.
These new changes are targeted at improving fairness for drivers, specifically when they're looking to park in private parking spaces.
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The new rule aims to crack down on car park attendants that clock-watch, standing by your car and waiting to slap you with a hefty fine.
Well, from 2025, operators must give Brits a 10-minute grace period once their time has finished.
These 10 minutes are a game changer, meaning that little hold up at the till or rush to get from one side of the shopping center to the other won't be as big of a deal.
On top of this, the way that motorists appeal fines is changing for the better too, as the process has been made easier.
Sadly, this updated code of practice isn't compulsory until 2026, so it's important to stay vigilant and check if where you're parking has adopted the new rules.
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The move has come after a number of complaints from motorists that have felt targeted by private car park operators in particular.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, Chris Adams, group operations Director at Brindley Group, said: "The IPC (International Parking Community) and BPA (British Parking Association) have introduced a few main changes to make sure that motorists are being treated fairly, with the aim of raising standards and transparency for the benefit of drivers."
Speaking about the 10-minute grace period, he did clarify that if you are over the grace period, you'll get fined as normal, highlighting that 'a fine will be issued by either ANPR systems or a parking warden.'