New measures to clamp down on rogue private parking firms have become law, bringing drivers greater protection against bogus parking fines.

The Act means that private parking firms will need to follow a new Code of Practice while drivers will be able to challenge unfair fines

The new Parking (Code of Practice) Act has received Royal Assent today and means that private parking firms will need to follow a new Code of Practice while drivers will be able to challenge unfair fines through a new independent appeals service.

The news was welcomed by the RAC. Head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Motorists will warmly welcome this new Act. For too long, some unscrupulous private parking operators have made drivers’ lives a misery with some questionable practices which has sent levels of trust in the sector plummeting.

“The code will create more consistent standards across the board which should eliminate dubious practices and create a single, independent appeals process. The RAC has long called for changes to the way the private parking sector is regulated and this new code will undoubtedly make the lives of drivers easier.”