If your fleet drivers use private car parks, you’ll be pleased to hear that the controversial “five-minute rule” has been scrapped. Previously, private parking firms could fine motorists if they didn’t pay within five minutes of entering a car park.
From 17 February 2025, drivers using camera-monitored private car parks won’t receive a parking charge notice (PCN) as long as they pay for the time they were parked before leaving. This is a positive change, but it’s still important for fleet managers to stay informed about how parking fines are handled.
What Was the ‘Five-Minute Rule’?
Under the old rule, private parking firms could issue fines if a driver didn’t pay within five minutes of arriving. This led to unfair penalties, particularly in cases where:
- Drivers struggled with poor phone signal, preventing app payments.
- It took time to read confusing signage and find a payment machine.
- The car park was busy, delaying the payment process.
Several high-profile cases, including Rosey Hudson, who had a £1,906 court claim dropped by a car park operator, due to her delayed payment, pushed the industry to change its approach.
What Are the New Parking Rules?
The updated Private Parking Code of Practice introduced in February 2025 includes:
- No more five-minute fines – Drivers can take longer to pay as long as they pay in full before leaving.
- Applies to camera-monitored car parks – The rule only applies to private car parks that use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) or CCTV.
- Not a legal requirement – The rule is part of a voluntary industry code, not official government legislation.
Do These Changes Help Fleets?
Yes – these updates can reduce unnecessary fines for fleet drivers who use private car parks. They ensure a fairer chance to pay without the risk of immediate penalties.
However, fleet managers should still be aware that:
- Fines can still be issued for underpayment or incorrect ticketing.
- The new rules don’t apply to all private car parks.
- There’s no single appeals process – each parking operator has its own rules.
How Fleet Service GB Can Help Manage Parking Fines
Even with these changes, parking fines can still be a burden on fleet managers. Fleet Service GB offers a Fines Management Service that helps businesses efficiently handle PCNs and reduce admin time.
What Happens When a PCN is Received?
When a fine is issued, Fleet Service GB updates the Achieve Hub, automatically recording the fine against the driver’s record. From there, fleet managers have several options:
1️. Automatic Payment on Receipt
- If agreed in advance, FSGB will pay the fine immediately.
- The driver or nominated contact will receive an email with a copy of the fine, confirmation of payment, and any administration fee details.
2️. Option to Appeal
- If agreed, FSGB will send an email to the driver or nominated contact offering the option to appeal the fine.
- The recipient has 72 hours to confirm if they want to appeal.
- If no response is received within 72 hours, FSGB will proceed with payment.
By using FSGB’s Fines Management Service, fleet managers can:
- Avoid late fees and unnecessary penalties
- Streamline the fine payment and appeals process
- Reduce admin time and ensure compliance
FAQs About Parking Fines and Fleet Service GB
Do the new parking rules apply to all car parks?
No, these changes only apply to private car parks with camera monitoring. Council-run car parks and smaller private car parks may still have different rules.
What should my fleet drivers do if they get a fine under the new rules?
They should check the reason for the fine – if it was issued unfairly, it can be appealed. Fleet managers can use Fleet Service GB’s Fines Management Service for support.
Can fleet drivers still get fined even if they pay late?
Yes, if they underpay or if the car park is not covered by the new rules, a fine may still apply. It’s always best to check signage carefully.
What is Fleet Service GB?
Fleet Service GB provides fleet management solutions, including fines management, vehicle maintenance, driver safety, and compliance services. We help businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency.
How does Fleet Service GB’s Fines Management Service work?
Our service automates fine processing, tracks all penalties, and handles appeals, so fleet managers don’t have to. This saves time, reduces admin stress, and ensures penalties are managed efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The removal of the five-minute fine rule is a positive change for fleet drivers, reducing unfair penalties for slow payments. However, fleet managers still need a reliable system to track and handle parking fines, as different car parks have different rules.
With Fleet Service GB’s Fines Management Service, businesses can stay on top of fines, reduce admin time, and ensure penalties are handled quickly and efficiently.
Get in touch with Fleet Service GB today to see how we can support your fleet.
