Campaigners are urging the government to limit fines imposed by private parking firms to £50. Labour is currently seeking feedback on a new enforceable code of practice for overseeing car park operators, following the abandonment of a previous attempt by the Tories.
Currently, the industry self-regulates, leading to complaints from motorists who feel unfairly treated by operators issuing hefty fines and pursuing them with debt collectors if payment is refused. The RAC’s analysis revealed a record 14.4 million tickets were issued by private parking firms in the 12 months up to March this year.
Government data highlights a significant rise in car park management companies requesting driver details from the DVLA to issue fines, increasing from 1.9 million in 2012 to 8.4 million in 2019, and 12.8 million in 2024.
Although the industry introduced a parking code of practice last October, featuring measures like a 10-minute grace period and a £100 charge cap, it applies only to select associations and will not be fully implemented until December 2026.
Consumer group Which? advocates for a maximum fine cap of £50, along with clear signage in car parks to address driver confusion. The group also calls for firms to take mitigating circumstances, such as medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns, into account when issuing fines.
The Conservative government’s planned statutory parking code was withdrawn due to legal challenges by parking firms. Which? further criticizes parking companies for automatically adding debt recovery fees, potentially inflating fines by £70, and urges the government to establish a single appeals service for challenging unjust fines.
Alex Norris MP and Sue Davies from Which? voiced concerns over parking operators’ behaviors, emphasizing the need for fair regulations to protect consumers and responsible motorists. The British Parking Association supports the government’s consultation, highlighting the importance of deterrents to ensure parking spaces are used appropriately.
