Drivers are set to benefit from the launch today of a new Code of Practice aimed at cracking down on cowboy private car parking firms.

The Government’s Parking Code of Practice aims to protect drivers from unfair and extortionate charges.

The proposals include a maximum cap for parking fines, a 10-minute grace period before a late fine can be issued, and a requirement for parking firms to clearly display pricing and terms and conditions.

In England outside of London and in Wales, charges will be reduced from £100 to £70 or £50, depending on the seriousness of the breach.

Private firms which breach the new Code could be barred from collecting fines from motorists and rogue firms which break these rules could be barred from requesting Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data, making them unable to pursue motorists for their charges through the post. The new Code also includes a new appeals process.

‘Private firms issue roughly 22,000 parking tickets every day, often adopting a system of misleading and confusing signage,?aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees designed to extort money from motorists,’ said the minister for levelling up, Neil O‘Brien MP.

‘The new Code of Practice will set out a clear vision with the interests of safe motorists at its heart, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties.’

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes commented: ‘The RAC has campaigned for years to end the sharp practices in the private parking sector, so we welcome the new national code that will usher in higher standards and will introduce a lower cap on penalty charge notices, an independent appeals system and an end to rip-off debt collection fees.

‘This will undoubtedly make drivers’ experience of using private car parks fairer while at the same time force rogue operators to clean up their acts once and for all.’