Lawyer explains how you can avoid paying private car parking fine

Lawyer's Advice on Grace Period

A qualified lawyer, known as Kal, who practices in both the UK and the US and has over 13 years' experience, has highlighted a rule that could help drivers contest private parking fines. Speaking on his Better Call Kal YouTube channel, he explained that a new private parking code includes a compulsory grace period for motorists. Under the new rules, private parking operators must allow drivers an additional 10 minutes after their paid or permitted parking period ends before issuing a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

For example, if a motorist's parking session expires at 2pm but their vehicle is recorded leaving at 2.08pm or 2.09pm, Kal said the charge should stand. He explained: "So, if your paid session or free parking period ends at 2 p.m., let's say, and your camera and the camera then clocks you at 208 or 209, that ticket is not valid."

Kal stressed that this grace period is not optional but a requirement. "That grace period is not discretionary. It's mandatory," he said. As a result, he urged anyone within the grace period to appeal if they've been fined: "So again, if you have been fined while you were in your grace period, appeal it immediately."

The New Code of Practice

The rules stem from a new Single Code of Practice being introduced to create on uniform set of standards for participating private parking companies across England, Scotland, and Wales. The code includes provisions addressing signage, appeals, and the treatment of motorists.

Importantly, private car parks are currently in a transition period to adapt to these new requirements. The code becomes fully mandatory across all locations in December 2026. However, any sites established since October 2024 are required to comply with its regulations, including the 10-minute grace period. Existing sites have until December 31, 2026, to achieve full mandatory compliance with the code across all operational requirements, including signage.

What Does This Mean for Drivers?

For drivers, this means that a parking charge issued within 10 minutes after their paid time ends in a private car park may be invalid. However, the rule applies specifically to private car parks, not to parking penalties issued by councils. Kal highlighted this distinction: "But guys, this applies to private car parks only. Very important distinction. It does not apply to council issued penalty charge notices on public roads."

Council-issued penalties operate under separate rules, so the 10-minute grace period does not automatically apply to them. Private car parks generally are those operated by companies on land such as shopping centers, supermarkets, and other commercial sites, rather than public parking areas controlled by local authorities.

How to Verify?

To verify whether a private car park is following the grace period regulations, motorists can consult the Citizens Advice website. Additionally, the current maximum charge for a private parking ticket is £100, although this can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

This advice was reported by both the Daily Express and the Liverpool Echo, both quoting Kal's comments from his Better Call Kal YouTube channel. The reports highlight the grace period as a potential way for drivers to avoid paying a parking charge if they are within the new time frame.