It could soon be a lot easier for you to challenge an unfair private parking ticket under a new law

A NEW law could soon make it much easier for drivers to challenge unfair parking tickets.

Passed through the House of Commons on Friday, the bill will create a "one-stop shop" for motorists to appeal charges issued by private companies.

Originally introduced by Tory former minister Sir Greg Knight last year, the Parking (Code of Practice) Bill will tackle rogue parking companies and set out strict guidelines for penalties.

Government claimed motorists are frustrated by "inconsistent practices, substandard signage, confusing appeal processes and intimidating payment letters".

A code of practice is included in the bill, which outlines parking officers must give drivers a 10-minute grace period for those who overstay time limits, and also caps the maximum fine at £100.

Under the new rules, parking companies will still be allowed to obtain records from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to chase vehicle owners for alleged infringements in private car parks such as at shopping centres, leisure facilities and motorway service areas.

The bill still needs to pass through the House of Lords, meaning it will still be some time before drivers are seeing the benefits.

Rishi Sunak MP, Local Government Minister, said: "Millions of drivers use private car parks every day, and far too many of them are receiving unjust fines at the hands of rogue firms.

"We need a fairer, clearer and more consistent system that puts the brake on the unfair practices being experienced by too many drivers.

"I am delighted that MPs have unanimously backed these changes and that the government is on track to create a better system for our nation’s motorists."

Motoring organisations have also shown support for the Government's approval on the bill.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "Frankly we think Sir Greg Knight's Private Member's Bill can't come into law too soon, bringing the era of self-regulation of private parking to a close with firms having to abide by a code of practice signed off by ministers.

"We particularly welcome the proposal for a single, independent appeals service, which, together with a single, clear code of practice should establish a better, clearer framework and a level playing field that is fairer for all."

Andrew Pester, British Parking Association Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that parliamentarians are listening and taking decisive action to ensure the private parking sector operates in a consistent and transparent manner for the motorist."

Government's approval of the bill comes just days after it was revealed private parking companies were on track to spend a whopping £16.2million to track down driver details from the DVLA this financial year, with more than 18,000 tickets issued each day.