Will a new code end 'rip-off parking charges'?

Both the AA and RAC have welcomed the statutory code of practice - which they campaigned for - but believe it does not go far enough.

For example, the AA believes there needs to be a single and independent appeals process.

"Drivers need to have confidence that when they are making their representations, it's being heard by an independent body, as opposed to the private parking operators and their trade bodies marking their own homework," Cousens said.

The AA also believes the government needs to find an alternative to debt recovery fees and charges, which often "spiral" into the threat of court action and County Court Judgments.