Watchdog takes action on private parking charges amid growing driver complaints

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a series of measures designed to crackdown on the way private parking companies treat drivers, following growing concerns over unfair parking charges and inconsistent appeals processes.

Around 14.4 million private parking tickets were issued across the UK during 2024 and 2025 at locations such as supermarkets, retail parks, restaurants and gyms, according to the CMA. That’s more than double the number issued six years ago.

The watchdog adds many drivers have reported receiving parking charges they believe were unfair, with complaints including confusing signs, faulty payment machines and issues using parking apps.

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Euro Car Parks investigation begins

As part of its action, the CMA has opened an investigation into private parking firm Euro Car Parks to look into whether some of its practices could breach consumer protection law.

The investigation will look at whether it is fair for drivers to receive parking charges while waiting to use petrol pumps or other forecourt services such as car washes. It will also examine aspects of the company’s appeals process across both petrol stations and other private car parks.

The CMA stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and it has not reached any conclusions about whether Euro Car Parks has broken the law.

Carwow has approached Euro Car Parks for comment.

Wider crackdown on parking industry practices

Alongside the investigation, the CMA is writing to other private parking operators about concerns over appeals handling and the issue of additional debt recovery fees.

It’s also urging the wider industry to improve its practices voluntarily and has made recommendations to the government ahead of its long-awaited Private Parking Code of Practice, which is expected to be enacted by December 2026.

The recommendations include:

• Clearer information for drivers about their rights
• Fairer and more consistent appeals processes
• Reviewing consideration periods, giving drivers enough time to decide whether to park before charges apply

Emma Cochrane, executive director of Consumer Protection at the CMA, said parking charges can be stressful and often come as an unexpected cost.

She said parking companies must treat motorists fairly throughout the process and that “a clear and consistent appeals process must be at the heart of this”.

Industry welcomes the proposals

Motoring organisation the RAC described the CMA’s finding as “major step forwards in ensuring drivers are treated fairly by private parking operators”.

Head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “The points made by the watchdog in open letters to ministers and private parking operators highlight many of the issues we’ve been trying to get action on for years and confirm that drivers aren’t consistently getting fair outcomes when they challenge tickets.

“It’s also very positive to see a recommendation that drivers who appeal parking charge notices should retain access to the early payment discount and that time spent deciding whether to park should count towards the overall parking period.

“We also welcome the proposal that operators should seek additional evidence from drivers before deciding appeals.”

What this means for you

The CMA’s announcements do not change the rules immediately, but they could lead to fairer treatment if the government adopts its recommendations and parking operators improve their practices.

In the meantime, if you use private car parks, it’s worth taking these simple steps to protect yourself:

• Always check the parking signs, even if you’ve parked there before, as rules can change.
• Don’t assume parking is free. Some supermarkets, gyms and restaurants require you to register your vehicle or validate your stay.
• Keep evidence if something goes wrong, such as photos of faulty payment machines, receipts or payment confirmations.
• Don’t ignore a parking charge. If you think it’s unfair, appeal as soon as possible. Appealing within 14 days can help you keep the discounted rate if your appeal is rejected.
• Know your rights. If you believe a parking charge was issued incorrectly, challenge it. Charges may be cancelled or reduced in some situations, such as emergencies or genuine registration number mistakes.

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