The driving expert shared a lesser-known rule enforced in many public car parks (Image: Getty)
Motorists have been urged to learn a five-minute tip enforced in that can help them avoid overpaying or .
Whilst many drivers feel the frustration of entering a only to find that all the spaces are full, the vehicle leasing firm LeaseLoco highlighted that drivers have a few minutes to leave before they need to pay.
However, John Wilmot, CEO and founder of , noted that the rule can also mean that drivers who stay over the five-minute limit will need to .
He said: “Many drivers are unaware that some can insist on payment within such a tight time window as five minutes.
“With , their vehicles are being clocked as soon as they enter the car park and the timer is starting before they have even found a space to park in.”
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Drivers have five minutes to find a space before they have to pay a parking charge (Image: Getty)
Under current legislation, all private car parks have to give motorists a five-minute grace period in order to avoid charging drivers when there are no spaces available for them.
In most cases, parking companies are able to identify when a vehicle enters and leaves through ANPR cameras which can read number plates, often meaning it is impossible for drivers to leave without being noticed.
As a result, those who leave a car park after more than five minutes without paying could be given a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of up to £100 for each offence, which can be lowered to £60 if it is paid within the first 14 days.
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Drivers who leave a car park after five minutes without paying can face fines of up to £100 (Image: Getty)
A spokesperson for LeaseLoco highlighted their views that the measure is designed to catch drivers out, with motorists instantly agreeing to the parking company’s terms and conditions simply by entering.
They continued: “This is just one example of a T&C which seems to have been designed to catch drivers out. There are many others so it is imperative that any driver fully familiarises themselves with the T&Cs when they leave their vehicle in a car park.
“By leaving your car in one of these parking zones you are legally agreeing to the T&Cs on display. So make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you decide to walk away from the vehicle.”
In October 2024, the British Parking Association (BPA) announced plans to increase the grace period that private car parks are required to offer to 10 minutes. Whilst the move was welcomed by most drivers, the organisation has given car parks until 2026 to comply with the rule.
The latest version of the Private Parking Code of Practice will also require companies to offer more clarity over why they are issuing fines to drivers in a bid to reduce the number of unfair penalties.