What is Gabe’s Law?

By AM Specialists Group Ltd 26th October 2026
Proposed legislation known as Gabe’s Law could bring significant changes to the safety requirements for multi-storey car parks across England. Employers, facilities managers and property operators should understand what the proposals involve and conside
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What is Gabe’s Law?

Gabe’s Law is the name given to the Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill, introduced following the death of 15-year-old Gabriel Santer, who fell from a multi-storey car park in Liverpool in October 2020.

The campaign, led by Gabe’s father, Johny Santer, seeks stronger safeguards to prevent falls and improve safety in multi-storey car parks.

The Bill was reintroduced in the 2026–27 parliamentary session and presented to the House of Commons on 22 June 2026. As of October 2026, it is awaiting its Second Reading and has not become law.

What changes are being proposed?

The Bill outlines several measures that could significantly affect those responsible for multi-storey car parks:

  • Higher barriers: Increasing the proposed minimum guarding height from 1.1 metres to 2.7 metres around the perimeters of floors and roofs in new multi-storey car parks.
  • Upgrades to existing car parks: Requiring owners and operators to upgrade or replace perimeter barriers to meet the proposed standard within one year of the legislation coming into force.
  • 24-hour staffing: Introducing mandatory on-site staffing, alongside minimum staffing levels.
  • Enforcement measures: Introducing potential criminal penalties and civil sanctions for non-compliance.

If implemented, these proposals could have substantial financial and operational implications, particularly where existing structures require significant alterations.

What should employers and property managers do now?

Although the Bill has not yet become law, businesses responsible for car parks should not overlook their existing safety obligations. Reviewing current arrangements can help identify potential risks and prepare organisations for possible regulatory changes.

Practical steps include:

  1. Review existing risk assessments. Consider fall hazards, barrier condition, access arrangements, lighting and other site-specific risks. Ensure control measures reflect the way the facility is used.
  2. Inspect physical safeguards. Check that barriers and perimeter protection are suitable for their intended purpose, and arrange professional assessments where structural concerns arise.
  3. Review management arrangements. Consider how inspections, maintenance, incident reporting and emergency procedures are managed, including who is responsible for taking action when hazards are identified.
  4. Understand potential costs. Owners and operators may wish to assess whether proposed structural improvements or staffing arrangements could affect future budgets and maintenance plans.
  5. Monitor legislative developments. Follow the Bill’s progress through Parliament and any further government guidance on minimum guarding heights under Part K of the Building Regulations.

Preparing for future safety requirements

Gabe’s Law highlights the importance of reviewing whether existing safeguards adequately address foreseeable risks. While the proposed requirements may change as the legislation progresses, businesses should continue to assess hazards and maintain appropriate safety measures.

For employers, property managers and facilities teams, understanding current responsibilities and monitoring regulatory developments are essential steps towards protecting the public and maintaining safer environments.