Private Parking Code of Practice: Will it end 'rip-off' charges?

A controversial private parking charge case in Derby has pushed the UK government to introduce a statutory Private Parking Code of Practice, after campaigners argued drivers are being hit with “rip-off” fees. Rosey Greenwood said she was pursued for £1,906 after allegedly failing to pay within five minutes of entering the Copeland Street car park, even though she paid on time each visit and had bank records. Her appeal escalated from court to Parliament when Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson raised the issue, calling the charge a “five-minute rip-off charge.” The code, laid before Parliament Tuesday, faces 40 days’ scrutiny and will start 21 days after formal issue.