Does the consideration period apply at all private car parks?

The consideration period requirement applies to BPA and IPC member operators at ANPR-enforced sites. It is a Code of Practice obligation, not a statutory requirement — but as DVLA data access depends on Code compliance, operators who breach it are at risk of losing keeper liability rights. It does not apply at council-operated car parks, which use different enforcement mechanisms.

What if I entered, could not find a space, and left within 10 minutes?

If you entered, looked for a space, did not park, and left within 10 minutes, the consideration period applies. The charge should not have been issued. This is a clear Code of Practice breach by the operator. In your appeal, state that you did not park — you entered, found no suitable space, and left. Request the ANPR images showing your vehicle did not occupy any bay.

Is 10 minutes long enough at large or complex car parks?

The Code sets 10 minutes as a minimum. At very large or complex sites, a longer consideration period may be reasonable — some operators' signage explicitly advertises a longer period. If the site's own signage promises more than 10 minutes, the operator is bound by it. For POPLA or IAS appeals, you can argue the site's complexity required a longer reasonable consideration time.

Consideration Period

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

The consideration period is the time allowed for a motorist to enter a private car park, read the signs, and decide whether to stay or leave — without being charged for that initial dwell time. The BPA Code of Practice requires a minimum 10-minute consideration period at ANPR-enforced car parks: a vehicle that enters and exits within 10 minutes without completing a parking transaction should not receive a charge. This protection prevents motorists from being caught by ANPR systems for the time spent simply reading signage or turning around. It is distinct from the grace period, which applies at the end of a permitted stay.

How the consideration period works

When a motorist drives into an ANPR car park, the entry camera logs the registration and start time. If the motorist immediately reads the signs, decides not to park, and exits — all within 10 minutes — the BPA Code of Practice (Section 13) and IPC Code of Practice (Section 8) both require that no charge is issued. The consideration period acknowledges that motorists cannot be expected to have read signage before entering, particularly at unfamiliar car parks with complex multi-condition tariffs.

Consideration period vs grace period

The consideration period applies at the start of a visit — it is the buffer for the initial entry and sign-reading phase. The grace period applies at the end — it is the buffer after the permitted parking period has expired. Both are 10-minute minimums under the BPA and IPC Codes. A charge may be challengeable on consideration period grounds if: the total dwell time (entry to exit) was under 10 minutes and no parking transaction was completed; or the operator charged for time that should have been covered by the consideration period.

Short visit charges — often defeated

Charges triggered by very short visits — under 10 minutes — frequently fail at POPLA and IAS because the operator cannot demonstrate that the consideration period was observed. If you received a charge for a visit of under 10 minutes where you entered, did not park, and immediately left, you have strong grounds under both Codes of Practice.

Using the consideration period in your appeal

✓Request the ANPR entry and exit timestamps from the operator — your total dwell time is the key figure.
✓Calculate whether your entire visit was under 10 minutes.
✓Check whether you completed a parking transaction (paid, displayed a ticket, or registered a permit) — if not, and dwell time was under 10 minutes, you have a strong consideration period defence.
✓Reference Section 13 of the BPA Code of Practice (or Section 8 of the IPC Code) in your appeal explicitly.
✓Note that the consideration period is distinct from the grace period — if your dwell was short but not because you were deciding whether to stay, the consideration period argument may still apply.

Sources

BPA Code of Practice 2023, Section 13 — consideration period
IPC Code of Practice 2023, Section 8 — consideration period
Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the consideration period apply at all private car parks?: The consideration period requirement applies to BPA and IPC member operators at ANPR-enforced sites. It is a Code of Practice obligation, not a statutory requirement — but as DVLA data access depends on Code compliance, operators who breach it are at risk of losing keeper liability rights. It does not apply at council-operated car parks, which use different enforcement mechanisms.
What if I entered, could not find a space, and left within 10 minutes?: If you entered, looked for a space, did not park, and left within 10 minutes, the consideration period applies. The charge should not have been issued. This is a clear Code of Practice breach by the operator. In your appeal, state that you did not park — you entered, found no suitable space, and left. Request the ANPR images showing your vehicle did not occupy any bay.
Is 10 minutes long enough at large or complex car parks?: The Code sets 10 minutes as a minimum. At very large or complex sites, a longer consideration period may be reasonable — some operators' signage explicitly advertises a longer period. If the site's own signage promises more than 10 minutes, the operator is bound by it. For POPLA or IAS appeals, you can argue the site's complexity required a longer reasonable consideration time.

Grace Period (10-Minute Rule)
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)
inadequate-signage

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