Campaigners are urging the government to limit fines imposed by private parking firms to £50. Labour is seeking input on a new enforceable code of practice to regulate car park operators, following the abandonment of a previous effort by the Tories. Currently, the industry self-regulates, sparking complaints from motorists who feel unfairly targeted by operators, receiving hefty fines and facing debt collection if they resist payment.
The push for regulation comes after the RAC revealed that private parking firms issued a record 14.4 million tickets in the year ending March. Data from the government also indicates a significant rise in car park management companies requesting driver information from the DVLA for fine issuance, escalating from 1.9 million in 2012 to 8.4 million in 2019, and 12.8 million in 2024.
Although the industry’s parking code of practice, effective since October last year, introduced improvements like a 10-minute grace period and capped charges at £100, it only applies to specific association members, with some provisions delayed until December 2026. Consumer group Which? advocates for a £50 fine cap, clearer signage in parking lots, and considerations for emergencies or breakdowns when issuing fines.
The Conservative government’s plan for a statutory parking code was withdrawn due to legal challenges from parking firms. Which? also calls for the elimination of automatic debt recovery fees, proposing a single appeals service to challenge wrongful fines. Alex Norris MP highlights the importance of the private parking industry but acknowledges ongoing misconduct by operators, making compliance challenging for motorists.
Sue Davies, head of consumer rights policy at Which?, criticizes the inconsistency in private car park rules, leading to unfair parking charge notices despite drivers’ efforts to adhere to regulations. The British Parking Association supports the government’s consultation, emphasizing the need for an effective deterrent against rule-breakers while maintaining the current £100 charge cap and £70 debt resolution fee to safeguard responsible motorists and proper parking space utilization.