Extended 10-minute parking fine grace period comes into effect
Drivers celebrated yesterday as new parking laws, which give them an extended grace period in which to return to their car before being fined, came into force.
Under the new rules, brought in by local government secretary Eric Pickles, English local councils will have to allow people 10 minutes after the paid-for time to return to their vehicle before imposing a penalty charge notice.
This follows a ban on CCTV for parking enforcement by councils, which came in on 1 April. It can now be used only in bus lanes, bus stops, red routes or immediately outside a school.
Pickles said: “Unreasonable parking charges and fines hurt hardworking taxpayers and undermine local shops.”
However, the grace period does not apply to parking on double or single yellow lines, in permit bays, or in front of dropped kerbs.