Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate Excerpts

Tuesday 24th March 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards implementing a code of practice under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Baroness Taylor of Stevenage) (Lab)]

It is me again, I am afraid. The Government are committed to raising standards in the private parking sector. Last summer, my department consulted on proposals to raise standards across the private parking industry, ahead of implementing the new code and accompanying compliance framework for parking operators. The consultation attracted over 4,500 responses—which was no surprise to me; I know people have a great interest in this subject—a significant volume, and it is right that these are considered very carefully before the code is finalised. I add that the Government intend to lay the code in the House in autumn 2026.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, in 1989, I had the privilege of taking through Parliament the Parking Act, which was there to assist in the parking process. Some 30 years went past, when cowboy operators really let rip on the motoring public, until my good friend, the right honourable Sir Greg Knight, introduced his own Bill, which we are discussing today. I am very unhappy about the lack of progress in this matter. The right reverend Prelates will understand when I say, at the third time of asking, that I must press the Minister to get a move on with this, or else we will all suspect that she is simply parking it.

[Noble Lords]

Oh!