UK motorist protection and parking regulation updates

The UK government has initiated several measures to address rising costs and unfair practices affecting motorists. Following research by the RAC showing that average airport drop-off fees increased by approximately one-third since summer 2025, the Department for Transport committed to a review of these charges to ensure travel accessibility and fair treatment for passengers.

This review, prompted by an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill, follows findings that 16 of the UK’s 20 busiest airports have raised fees within the last year. Total annual income from these charges is estimated at £300 million. While major hubs like London Gatwick and London Stansted have seen rates rise to £10, London City Airport was identified as the most expensive on a per-minute basis at £1.60. The review aims to examine pricing transparency and the potential for free drop-off areas or exemptions for electric vehicles, though it does not currently grant the power to fix prices directly.

In a separate regulatory move, the government introduced a new Private Parking Code of Practice for England, Wales, and Scotland. This code establishes a five-minute grace period for drivers to decide on parking and a ten-minute window to exit after a session expires. The regulations also cap maximum parking charges at £100, limit appeals for minor errors to £20, and mandate charge cancellations for uncontrollable circumstances like medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns. Operators violating these rules risk losing access to DVLA data. Additionally, the government has officially banned ‘car clocking’ to protect second-hand car buyers from odometer fraud.