Private parking fines should be limited to £50, according to campaigners urging the government to take action. Labour is seeking input on a new enforceable code of conduct to regulate car park operators, following the abandonment of a previous effort by the Tories.
Currently, the private parking industry self-regulates, leading to complaints from motorists who feel unfairly targeted with excessive fines and subsequent debt collection attempts for non-payment. An analysis by the RAC revealed a record 14.4 million tickets issued by private parking firms in the year ending March.
Government data highlights a significant rise in car park management companies seeking driver information from the DVLA to issue fines, escalating from 1.9 million in 2012 to 8.4 million in 2019, and 12.8 million in 2024.
Although an industry parking code was introduced in October last year, some provisions will not take effect until December 2026. Consumer group Which? advocates for a £50 fine cap, clearer signage in parking lots, and considerations for mitigating circumstances such as medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns before imposing fines.
The Conservative government’s plan for a statutory parking code was halted due to legal challenges from parking firms. Which? also criticizes automatic debt recovery fees imposed by parking companies and calls for the establishment of a single appeals service for disputing fines.
Alex Norris MP emphasized the importance of addressing poor behavior by parking operators, acknowledging the challenges faced by motorists due to unclear terms and conditions. Sue Davies of Which? echoed concerns about the lack of consumer protection in private car parks despite industry efforts to self-regulate.
The British Parking Association supports the government consultation but warns that reducing parking charges could encourage rule-breaking, emphasizing the need for deterrents to ensure fair parking practices.
