The Competition and Markets Authority has announced a package of action aimed at improving how private parking operators treat motorists who challenge parking charges.
The watchdog says research suggests private operators issued about 14.4 million parking tickets in 2024/25 at locations including gyms, supermarkets, restaurants and retail parks. It says that figure is more than double the number issued six years earlier.
The CMA said complaints from motorists include unclear signage, broken ticket machines and faulty apps. Its own analysis has raised concerns about potentially unfair practices by some operators, including the handling of appeals and efforts to recover additional fees on top of parking charges.
An investigation has been opened into Euro Car Parks to examine whether practices at petrol stations and the handling of appeals may breach consumer protection law. The CMA said the inquiry will look at whether it is fair for some drivers to receive charges while queuing for or using petrol pumps and other forecourt services, including car washes.
The authority stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and that it has reached no conclusions on whether Euro Car Parks has broken the law. It is also writing to other private parking operators about appeals processes and potentially unfair extra charges when unpaid parking charges are pursued.
The CMA is making recommendations to government on a new Code of Practice, including requirements for parking firms to inform drivers of their rights and improve the fairness and consistency of appeals. It has also published tips intended to help drivers avoid common problems and understand their rights.