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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
Manchester councillor Bev Craig has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List
Danny Jones
The leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, has officially been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List for 2026.
Councillor Craig, who has held her leadership position since October 2021, received the OBE for her services to local government.
She joins several other regional councillors to be named by King Charles III.
First elected by Burnage residents back in 2011, she has spent more than a decade and a half devoting her professional life to the community, as well as nearly a whole five years of that time at the highest level within the Council.
The University of Manchester graduate has played several key roles throughout her career, including giving back to higher education, helping trade unions, as well as serving as an executive member for adult social care and health during the pandemic, before serving as Deputy and eventually Leader.
Speaking in an official statement, Craig said: “To receive an OBE is a huge privilege, and to get awarded it for what I’ve been able to give back to our city is all the more special.
“Manchester is an incredible city, made special by its people and a place I’m proud to call home.
“Leading our city is a privilege I don’t take for granted, so to get awarded an OBE for what we’ve been doing to make Manchester an even better place to live and improve the lives of Manchester people, while creating a city that is fairer and more inclusive for generations to come, is the real honour.”
With the Council having also confirmed two special NYE events on either side of the Town Hall this year, it feels like a fitting celebration.
Congratulations to Bev Craig on the well-deserved accolade and title; we have no doubt she’ll continue to excel in her post.
You can find the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List HERE.
As for the discussion around knighthoods, many Brits are currently calling for a change in the rules in hopes of making OBE, CBE and MBE, Kevin Sinfield a Sir.
Featured Images — Publicity picture (via Manchester City Council)
News
VAR audio requested as Nottingham Forest prepare complaint after Man City defeat
Danny Jones
Nottingham Forest have requested that the VAR audio from their game against Manchester City be released, as they are considering launching a formal complaint following the defeat.
Forest hosted Man City at home this past weekend and went on to lose 2-1.
However, Sean Dyche’s side are said to be ‘extremely unhappy’ with some of the refereeing decisions made by first official, Rob Jones, on the day.
As a result, they are now asking the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to share some of the conversations between on-pitch officials and the VAR team at Stockley Park in West London.
"I'm scratching my head and I can't believe it!" 😳
Sean Dyche wasn't happy with the officiating in their loss to Man City 😬
As you can see, Dyche initially said that “there’s no point” in pushing the refs on their performance, as he feels they usually only “get in trouble”, but it looks as though his employers have advocated for him.
Nottingham Forest had a problem with the final call in a number of instances during the festive fixture on Saturday, 27 December, but none more so than in one key moment.
The manager and his coaching team felt that Rayan Cherki’s 83rd-minute winner should have been cancelled out following a foul by Nico O’Reilly on Morgan Gibbs-White in the preceding corner, which may have prevented Cherki from scoring another decisive finish.
Dyche also argued that another City defender, Ruben Dias, was due a second yellow card and therefore dismissal from the pitch for a challenge after the break, but there was ultimately nothing doing.
You can see the collision here:
"I do have sympathy for Sean Dyche… it is a second yellow card!"
Ref Watch discuss whether Ruben Dias should have been sent off against Nottingham Forest. pic.twitter.com/dxTYmGsEqZ
According to Sky Sports News, Nottingham have already requested more information from the refereeing body, with this not being the first time they’ve felt hard done by.
As they put it, the hope/belief is that raising the issue could help “start a broader discussion around officiating this season.”
What do you make of Forest’s concerns against Manchester City, and do you think they’re worthy of launching an official complaint against the PGMOL and Premier League?
You can see the highlights from the game and perhaps decide for yourself down below.
Danny Jones -
28th June 2024 
