Unity5: Key Private Parking Operational Changes

The Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel has introduced key amendments to Annex F.1 of the Sector Single Code of Practice, aiming to address unfair penalties linked to delayed parking payments. These changes, effective as of the 17th February 2025, specifically impact camera-managed car parks (ANPR/CCTV) and clarify enforcement guidelines for operators.

Key Changes for ANPR & CCTV Car Parks

• Payment Timing Protection: Vehicles will be exempt from charges for delayed payments as long as the full fee is paid before leaving the site, regardless of the time taken to make the payment.
• Exclusions Still Apply: Charges can still be issued for underpayment, major keying errors, parking in restricted bays, and parking outside of bays or in contravention of the terms and conditions of the car park.
• Operator Responsibility: Parking operators must ensure their systems verify payment records before issuing a charge and must cancel any fines incorrectly issued due to payment delays.

No Windscreen Tickets for Delayed Payments: In camera-enforced car parks, postal enforcement must be used instead of windscreen tickets.

Requirements for Non-Camera Car Parks

For sites without ANPR or CCTV, existing rules remain unchanged:

• Motorists must pay promptly upon arrival.
• Parking attendants must allow the consideration period to pass before issuing a charge.
• Evidence must be clear and justifiable to support any penalties issued.

Updated Signage Requirements

• Operators must update signage by the end of 2026.
• Wording such as “Pay on arrival” or “Pay on entry” should replace specific time limits to improve clarity.

These amendments aim to create fairer enforcement practices, reducing penalties for genuine users while ensuring effective parking management. The Panel will continue monitoring compliance and may introduce further measures if operators fail to implement these guidelines correctly.

Operators should review their enforcement processes to ensure they align with the new regulations ahead of the February 2025 deadline.

Looking ahead

The Single Code of Practice continues to shape the future of private parking, promoting fairness, clarity, and consistency across the sector. These latest changes reinforce the importance of accurate enforcement and clear communication with motorists.

At Unity5, we are committed to supporting our clients through regulatory updates, ensuring they remain compliant while maintaining efficient operations. With Zatpark, Private Parking Operators can seamlessly adapt to evolving industry standards.

About Unity5

Unity5 is the creator of Zatpark - SaaS Solutions For Parking, Enforcement and Environmental Management - Designed for private parking companies and public sector bodies, Zatpark delivers world-class features completely controlling and automating the full lifecycle of parking enforcement data, from issue to recovery action and every step in-between. Built-in ANPR, Moving Traffic Violation Management and dedicated Permit and Kiosk solutions, Zatpark, Zatmobile, Zatpermit, Zatenviro, and Zatpark Flexible Enforcement provide end-to-end management of all your PCN and FPN activities.