BPA & the Single Code of Practice
The British Parking Association (BPA) runs an Approved Operator Scheme. Its members now work to the Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice — the joint BPA and IPC code — rather than a BPA-only rulebook. The BPA describes version 1.1 (13 April 2026) as the version supporting its Approved Operator Scheme. Breaches of the Code are a legitimate appeal ground.
Key points
- Clear, well-lit entrance signage setting out the terms and the charge.
- A consideration period on arrival, plus a grace period at the end of a qualifying permitted parking period.
- A written appeals process, with an independent appeal if the operator rejects you.
- Charges must not exceed the level set out in the Code without justification.
1One sector code, two trade bodies
The BPA and the IPC introduced the Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice, so the substantive rules on signage, consideration periods and grace periods are sector-wide. Describing a requirement as 'the BPA grace period' is out of date — cite the Single Code instead. The trade body still matters for which independent appeals service you use.
2Signage standards
Signs must be readable, positioned where drivers will see them before committing to park, and lit if the site operates after dark. Faded, obscured or missing signage undermines the alleged contract.
3Consideration and grace periods
Drivers must be given a consideration period to enter, find a bay, read the terms, deal with payment and leave if they do not accept the terms. A grace period applies at the end of a qualifying permitted parking period — but not where permitted parking is 30 minutes or less. See our Consideration & Grace Periods page for the detail before you rely on it.
4Independent appeals
If the operator rejects your appeal it must give you a code for an independent appeals service. BPA Approved Operators normally use POPLA, which is free for drivers and binding on the operator, and you usually have a limited window from the rejection to use it. Check the rejection letter — a small number of dual-accredited operators direct drivers to the IAS instead.
Top tip
Check which appeals service your rejection letter names, and quote the Single Code of Practice rather than 'the BPA Code' when you appeal.
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