New ten minute ‘grace period’ when parking

9th April 2015

Drivers in England will no longer be fined for being just a few minutes late back to their vehicle – be it in a paid or free parking space – as they will now get a 10-minute grace period when parked in a bay.

That is one of a raft of new measures designed to put common sense back in the driving seat.  Others include new powers for parking adjudicators so they can hold councils to account with regard to problems such as poor signage at specific locations.

Residents and local firms will also be able to demand that their council reviews parking in their area, including the charges and use of yellow lines.

There will be tougher rules against heavy-handed action by bailiffs too, and an end to fines at out-of-order parking meters when there is no alternative way to pay.  Guidance will also reinforce that councils cannot use parking to make a profit.

In addition, councils have been asked to volunteer to trial a new pilot scheme that allows motorists challenging a parking ticket to benefit from a 25% discount on the fine if they lose the appeal.  Currently drivers are only offered a discount on early payment before challenging a ticket.

“We are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business,” Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said.  “Over-zealous parking enforcement undermines our town centres and costs councils more in the long-term.  Our measures not only bring big benefits for high streets, motorists and local authorities – they put common sense back into parking.”