For years, the private parking sector has been likened by some – including the media - to the ‘Wild West’. While the industry is frustrated about the willingness of the media to print negative stories, but to ignore positive news, the reality is that the media is printing what readers want to read – and already believe.

A lack of consistent regulation has allowed the actions of some operators to contribute to a negative public perception of the entire industry with confusing signage, aggressive enforcement, and an opaque appeals process. For drivers, this has created widespread mistrust. For landowners, it has created a significant reputational risk, where the actions of a third-party contractor can directly harm their brand.

It was, therefore, unsurprising when the previous government passed the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, paving the way for a single, legally-backed Code of Practice for all private parking operators. While that initiative collapsed after court action by the industry, it does look like it has simply been delayed. The recent UK Gov consultation period on a potential private parking code of practice has now closed, with MHCG “analysing feedback”, but the direction of travel is clear: a new era of mandated fairness, transparency, and consistency is coming.

In response to the previous Government’s efforts, the British Parking Association brought in an Approved Operator Scheme with a common protocol for private parking, but even for that operators have until December next year to achieve compliance. It seems likely that by then the Government will be taking steps for a legally-backed code.

For some legacy operators, this is a threat. For forward-thinking partners, and for the landowners they serve, it is a tremendous opportunity. Here’s why we believe it’s a good initiative.

1. It Rebuilds Public Trust

The primary goal of the Code is to make parking fairer for drivers. By mandating clearer signage, introducing mandatory grace periods, and creating a simpler, more robust appeals process, the Code aims to eliminate the "gotcha" tactics that have eroded public trust. For a landowner, this is invaluable. A car park that is perceived as fair encourages repeat visits and positive sentiment. A fair system protects your customers, which in turn protects your brand.

2. It Levels the Playing Field

A single, legislated Code of Practice forces every operator to adhere to the same high standards. It will systematically weed out the "rogue" operators whose business models rely on ambiguity and aggressive tactics. This is good for the industry and great for landowners. It means you can be more confident that your chosen operator is committed to ethical practices, as the penalties for non-compliance will be significant.

3. It Provides Clarity and Certainty

A single national code provides long-term certainty for how car parks should be managed. It creates a clear framework for what constitutes fair and reasonable enforcement. This clarity helps landowners and operators design systems that are compliant from the ground up, reducing the risk of legal challenges and negative press in the future.

Embracing the Future: Compliant by Design

The challenge for many existing operators is that their legacy systems—and in some cases, their business models—are built on the very ambiguity the new Code seeks to eliminate.

A modern, technology-driven approach is different. Fairness and transparency can be engineered into the solution from the very beginning.

At PARKUBE, our model was designed with these principles of fairness and transparency at its core. We welcome the new Code of Practice because it aligns perfectly with our belief that parking management should be clear, simple, and user-centric. We believe the future of this industry belongs to operators who see regulation not as a burden, but as a baseline for building a trustworthy service. That is the kind of partner every asset owner deserves.

A Welcome Change: Why the New Government Code is Good for Parking… and Your Reputation