New rules protect drivers from unfair private car park fees after Hannah got £11k fines for slow payments.
This followed concerns from late 2024. The parking rules were checked again. One driver, Hannah, got huge fines. Some car parks had a strange five-minute rule.
Parking groups announced a review earlier. Now, things change on February 17th. Camera-run private car parks must be fair. Delays in payment will be considered now. Drivers always need to read signs. This doesn’t affect council car parks. It also excludes car parks lacking cameras.
Hannah parked her BMW there often. She paid up to £8.50 each day. It was a big car park with 650 spaces. She paid, but got £11,390 in fines! This happened from 2021 to 2024. The car park company blamed Hannah. They said she didn’t pay fast enough. They have a five-minute rule enforced strictly. It stops quick drop-offs without payment.
Hannah said the internet was slow there. This made payments take longer.
One parking boss likes the new changes. He says they help compliant drivers. The goal is fair parking for everyone now. Another parking leader agrees on the update. He thinks the quick fix is important. Drivers must still read parking signs. The parking industry improves standards steadily. The single code and review panel are positive. They show commitment to fair practices currently.
Hannah was shocked by the big bill in August 2024. It had fines going back to 2021. The ticket machines often did not work. Internet was bad, slowing payments. She knew about the five-minute limit. She showed proof of app and machine issues often. She tried to talk to someone but they ignored her.
She got a letter adding all fines up. These were times she paid past five minutes. The 3G signal is poor within that car park. She feels bad for those who cannot pay fast. Babies or disabilities could delay them too. She thinks it is a joke currently.