£100 parking fines to be scrapped in major crackdown on cowboys

Private parking firms are facing a long-overdue crackdown, after years of hitting drivers with sky-high fines and threats of debt collectors.

The government has announced new rules aimed at stopping “unjust charges” from firms operating in private car parks, like those outside supermarkets, retail parks and leisure centres.

Under the plans, most fines will be capped at £50 - down from the current £100. Drivers must also be given a 10-minute grace period before being penalised.

But for many people, the damage has already been done.

Fines that spiral into debt

A simple parking fine can quickly snowball into something much worse.

One unpaid charge can turn into a £170 bill, with letters warning of court action, contact from debt collectors and real stress over how to pay it off.

Sometimes, these fines are handed out unfairly for being a few minutes late or for parking in spaces with unclear or missing signs. But private firms rely on people panicking and paying up, even when they have good grounds to challenge the charge.

A lifeline for drivers

The new rules promise clearer signage, more support for vulnerable people and Blue Badge holders, and a tougher, fairer appeals process.

This is a big win for drivers who’ve been stung by aggressive tactics for years. But the rules aren’t live just yet.

So, if you’re already being chased for a fine you can’t afford, here’s what to do:

• Check if the fine is fair: Were the signs clear? Did they give you time to get back to your car?
• Don’t ignore it: If it’s unfair, appeal it. Private firms can be challenged, and many people win.
• Know your rights: Debt collectors have no special legal powers to enforce a debt – they are not the same as bailiffs, so they can’t take anything from your home or force you to make a payment

If a fine has already turned into a bigger debt, or you’re being chased for money you simply don’t have, help is available.

When will the new rules start?

There’s no official start date yet, but the government says work is “well underway” to bring in the new rules.

In the meantime, don’t let an unfair fine spiral out of control. Challenge it if it’s wrong and get help if you’re struggling.