As part of new legislation that was originally scheduled to debut in 2023, British drivers are set to be given a 10-minute ‘grace period’ before receiving a ticket in private car parks.
Anyone who just missed their cut-off in the past 12 months is about to be fuming but it’s good news all round, we’re sure you can agree.
Picture the scene: rushing back to your car in a race against the clock with a load of shopping from all the way over the other side of town and just praying you get there before the cut-off. We’re sure many of you have been there.
As per an update from the BPA, the aim of this new measure is to “raise standards and deliver greater transparency and consistency for the benefit of motorists.” Private companies have long been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.
ADVERTISEMENT
So what does the new code actually state? Well, first off, it mandates the aforementioned “10-minute grace period for motorists” parking on private land, which is the most important detail of all.
Furthermore, a new appeals charter has been introduced, meaning that there are now clear parameters for motorists to contest a parking charge; there will also be clear signage to help people navigate parking on private land, and that cap on penalties will still remain at £100 or £60 if paid within 14 days.
ADVERTISEMENT
The new legislation also hopes to ensure “the protection of the most vulnerable in society, with no decrease to the deterrent for abuse of Blue Badge bays or those who choose to park selfishly, putting their own convenience above the needs or rights of others.”
Both independent bodies have asked for the changes to begin implementing the new guidance from 1 October onwards, with all existing private parking operators required to update by December 2026 at the very latest.
A raft of changes were initially due to be brought in towards the end of 2023, including the grace period for car parks and fines, and would have also seen the cap for most parking tickets halved to just £50.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, the AA via Sky News claims that the new policy could still see drivers ripped off because it omits “desperately needed” measures for limits on penalties.
According to the RAC Foundation, at least 9.7 million tickets were issued to drivers by private parking companies in Britain between April and December last year, with an estimated 35,000 fines dished out by operators every day.
The BPA’s Chief Executive, Andrew Pester,said: “We’re delighted to release a single sector Code across our private parking sector. This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists. We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all.”
Amazon UK is now offering 50% off Prime memberships for anyone aged 18-22
Emily Sergeant
Amazon is now offering all 18-22-year-olds in the UK 50% off a Prime membership.
In what could be an absolute game-changer for all youngsters battling with the rising cost of living crisison a daily basis, anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 22 can now sign up for an Amazon Prime membership at half the price.
The new offer means young adults can enjoy the full range of Amazon Prime benefits, all without having to fork-out the usual full membership price.
You may already be aware that half-price Prime has been available to students in the UK through Prime Student since 2014, but this new offer means it’s now available to all 18-22-year-olds in the UK, regardless of whether they’re in university or not.
And it’s just in time for the annual Amazon Prime Day on Tuesday 16 July too.
For just £4.49 per month, or £47.49 per year, all 18-22-year-olds can now get free next-day delivery, exclusive savings and deals, and award-winning entertainment like Prime Video and Amazon Music.
They can also make the most of other Prime membership benefits like free food delivery options on both Deliveroo and HelloFresh, discounted tickets at ODEON cinemas, free games through Prime Gaming, and thousands of free books, magazines, and comics each month.
Alongside this, Amazon has also announced that all 18-22-year-old customers will get to benefit from some exclusive perks that are tailored especially for students and young adults, including discounts on grocery, travel, books, and fashion.
Amazon UK is now offering 50% off Prime memberships for anyone aged 18-22 / Credit: Marques Thomas (via Unsplash) | Amazon UK
“We’re always looking for ways to provide more value to our customers,” commented John Boumphrey, who is the UK Country Manager at Amazon, as the company announced the new half-price membership this week.
“Offering 18-22-year-olds 50% off Prime membership helps to make the wide range of Prime benefits even more accessible to young people.
“This is a really important time in their lives, so helping them save while enjoying great shopping and entertainment benefits will make a big difference, whether they’re going to university, starting work, or moving out of home for the first time.”
Find out more and sign up for 50% off Amazon Prime here.
Featured Image – Amazon UK
News
You can get FREE e-scooter rides to Salford polling stations on General Election day
Emily Sergeant
Salford residents who are heading to the polls this Thursday can make the most of free e-scooter rides.
With the General Election literally just a few days away now, and millions of people nationwide preparing to cast their all-important vote in what could be a historic political event, anyone who lives in Salford will be able to get themselves to their assigned polling station and back, all without having to pay a single penny.
That’s because Lime, which is the Greater Manchester city’s provider of shared e-scooters, has announced that it’s offering two free 15-minute rides on its vehicles this Thursday (4 July).
You can get FREE e-scooter rides to Salford polling stations on General Election day / Credit: gov.uk | Lime UKI
The initiative is part of its ‘Lime to the Polls’ programme – which initially launched back in 2018 – being run to support the national ‘Give an X’ youth campaign run by Shape History, #iWillMovement, and My Life My Say.
It comes after it was found that, shockingly, one in three young people in England are not registered to vote, and almost half (44%) of those aged 18-34 believe their vote won’t make a difference.
The initiative is aiming to combat common barriers to voting – such as the cost of travel, or lack of car ownership, by providing riders with access to a complimentary mode of transport.
It’s part of Lime’s initiative aiming to combat common barriers to voting / Credit: gov.uk
On Election Day this Thursday, both new and existing riders in Salford will be able to redeem two free 15-minute rides in the Lime App, and all they’ll have to do is use the promotional code: UKELECTION2024.
Alice Pleasant, who is the Public Affairs Manager at Lime UKI, says access to “affordable and convenient” transport options should “never be a barrier to voting”.
“Lime is delighted to be providing voters with free transport options to get to the voting booths,” she added.
“We’re proud to play our part in enabling Lime riders to get to the polls and participate in the upcoming General Election through our Lime to the Polls programme with the ‘Give an X’ campaign.”