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Applies to private parking charges

You were only a few minutes over

The industry Code of Practice requires operators to allow a grace period at the end of a parking period before issuing a charge, plus reasonable time on arrival to read the signs and decide whether to accept the terms.

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New private parking rules · October 2026

No charge inside the grace period

  • Operators must allow at least 10 minutes after your paid or permitted time ends before issuing a charge, at most types of car park.
  • You also get at least 5 minutes on arrival to read the signs and decide whether to stay, or 10 minutes at free car parks with more than 500 spaces.
  • The exception is a clearly signed short-stay area, where there is no grace period at the end.
  • If traffic inside the car park held you up on the way out, the code says a charge should not be issued at all.

This is from the government's new Private Parking Code of Practice. It applies once the code comes into force, around the end of 2026 at the earliest, so do not wait for it before appealing. Read the full new rules

Why this works

The grace period is not a favour

It is a requirement of the Code of Practice that binds the operator through its trade association membership. Point to it directly rather than asking them to be reasonable.

Arrival time counts too

A driver is entitled to time on arrival to find a space, read the signs and decide whether to stay. That period is separate from the grace period at the end.

Check whether it was really one visit

If you left and returned the same day, the camera may have merged two visits into one long stay. That is a stronger argument than the grace period, and they do not sit well together.

Evidence to attach

More appeals fail on missing evidence than on weak arguments. Send copies, never originals, and keep a proof of posting.

Common questions

Can I appeal a parking ticket if overstayed by a few minutes?

A short overrun is expected to be tolerated. A charge issued inside the grace period should not have been issued at all. Challenging costs nothing, and if the issuer rejects you the escalation to an independent adjudicator is also free.

How long do I have to appeal?

Usually 28 days from the date on the notice, but the deadline that matters is often 14 days. Challenge within that window and most councils keep the 50% discount open for a further 14 days if they reject you. Private operators normally offer a reduced sum for the same period.

What evidence should I send?

A receipt showing when you arrived or left the premises. Your payment confirmation showing the period purchased.

What do the new 2026 private parking rules say if overstayed by a few minutes?

No charge inside the grace period. Operators must allow at least 10 minutes after your paid or permitted time ends before issuing a charge, at most types of car park. You also get at least 5 minutes on arrival to read the signs and decide whether to stay, or 10 minutes at free car parks with more than 500 spaces. The exception is a clearly signed short-stay area, where there is no grace period at the end. If traffic inside the car park held you up on the way out, the code says a charge should not be issued at all. The new Private Parking Code of Practice was laid before Parliament on 20 October 2026 and applies once it comes into force.

Does it cost anything to appeal?

No. Challenging the issuer is free, and escalating to POPLA, the Independent Appeals Service, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal or London Tribunals is free for motorists. Voidly does not charge you either.

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Answer a few questions and Voidly assembles the right grounds for your case, with a checklist of what to attach.

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Voidly produces a draft letter to help you appeal. It is not legal advice. Always check the letter and the deadline on your notice before sending.