Is the BPA Code of Practice legally binding?

Not as statute, but effectively yes in terms of enforcement. The DVLA's data access agreement with the BPA requires Code compliance. An operator who cannot access DVLA data cannot pursue registered keepers. POPLA adjudicators apply the Code as the applicable standard. In practice, a clear Code breach often results in an upheld appeal.

What is the BPA Code's maximum charge level?

The current BPA Code caps charges at £100 in most circumstances outside London and £110 in London (check the current Code for the exact figures, as they are reviewed periodically). A charge above the cap is a per se Code violation. Some circumstances — such as charges in certain permit schemes — may have different caps. Always verify against the current Code version.

How do I find which version of the BPA Code applies to my charge?

The BPA publishes its Code of Practice on its website. The version current at the date your charge was issued is the applicable version. If your charge was issued in 2023, use the 2023 Code. Earlier versions may have different requirements — for example, earlier versions had different grace period rules. Request the version from the BPA website and check the publication date against your charge date.

BPA Code of Practice

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

The British Parking Association's Code of Practice is the rulebook that BPA-accredited operators agree to follow as a condition of DVLA data access. It governs every aspect of private parking enforcement: what signs must say and where they must be placed; the minimum observation and grace periods before a charge can be issued; how ANPR systems must be calibrated; how appeals must be handled and within what timescales; and the maximum charge level operators can impose. A violation of the BPA Code of Practice by the operator is a substantive ground for appeal at POPLA. Adjudicators apply the Code directly and regularly uphold appeals for Code breaches.

What the BPA Code of Practice covers

The BPA Code is divided into sections covering: operator accreditation and conduct; signage requirements (size, height, location, content, legibility); ANPR system requirements and calibration; grace periods (minimum 10 minutes after permitted time at ANPR sites; 10-minute consideration period at entry); Notice to Driver and Notice to Keeper requirements; the appeals process (Stage 1 and POPLA); charge levels (maximum amounts); and cancellation discretion. The Code is updated periodically — always check the current version, as older versions may not apply to your charge.

How the Code is enforced

The BPA Code is not statute — it is a contractual obligation on member operators. Its enforcement mechanism is through DVLA data access: the DVLA will only provide keeper details to BPA Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) members, and AOS membership requires Code compliance. An operator who repeatedly breaches the Code risks suspension or removal from the AOS, which ends their ability to pursue registered keepers. In individual appeals, POPLA adjudicators apply the Code as the standard against which operator conduct is assessed.

Common BPA Code breaches in appeals

The most frequently successful BPA Code grounds at POPLA are: (1) signage that does not meet the Code's size, position, or content requirements; (2) failure to observe the 10-minute grace or consideration period; (3) inadequate ANPR calibration records; (4) failure to respond to the Stage 1 appeal within 35 days; (5) charges exceeding the Code maximum. Identify which section of the Code is breached, cite it specifically, and provide photographic or documentary evidence.

Using the BPA Code in your appeal

✓Download the current BPA Code of Practice from the BPA website (check the version date matches the charge date).
✓Compare the site signage against Code Section 18 requirements — height, size, legibility, prescribed wording.
✓Check whether a grace period was observed at ANPR sites — Code Section 13 requires a minimum 10-minute observation period.
✓Verify that the ANPR calibration records were maintained — Code Section 20 requires documented maintenance.
✓If the operator missed the 35-day appeal response window — Code Section 22 — document this and cite the cancellation consequence.

Sources

BPA Code of Practice 2023 — full text
Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019
DVLA data sharing agreement with BPA/IPC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BPA Code of Practice legally binding?: Not as statute, but effectively yes in terms of enforcement. The DVLA's data access agreement with the BPA requires Code compliance. An operator who cannot access DVLA data cannot pursue registered keepers. POPLA adjudicators apply the Code as the applicable standard. In practice, a clear Code breach often results in an upheld appeal.
What is the BPA Code's maximum charge level?: The current BPA Code caps charges at £100 in most circumstances outside London and £110 in London (check the current Code for the exact figures, as they are reviewed periodically). A charge above the cap is a per se Code violation. Some circumstances — such as charges in certain permit schemes — may have different caps. Always verify against the current Code version.
How do I find which version of the BPA Code applies to my charge?: The BPA publishes its Code of Practice on its website. The version current at the date your charge was issued is the applicable version. If your charge was issued in 2023, use the 2023 Code. Earlier versions may have different requirements — for example, earlier versions had different grace period rules. Request the version from the BPA website and check the publication date against your charge date.

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