Rise in Parking Tickets Sparks Calls for Stricter Regulations
Motorists across the UK have faced an unprecedented surge in parking tickets, with a record 1,640 fines issued every hour last year. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the practices of private parking companies, despite government assurances to address the issue.
Private firms have issued a staggering 14.4 million parking tickets in the past 12 months, averaging more than 27 tickets per minute. This figure surpasses the previous record of 12.8 million set in 2023/24 and is more than double the 6.8 million tickets issued in 2018/2019. Each ticket can carry a maximum fine of £100, resulting in a daily cost of nearly £4 million for drivers. It is important to note that these figures only cover car parks managed by private companies, not those operated by local councils.
The growing number of tickets has led to renewed pressure on ministers to take action against what many describe as “ruthless” operators. Motorists have long been waiting for stricter regulations, especially after complaints about unclear signage and the absence of grace periods for drivers who are not at fault.
The previous Conservative government had attempted to introduce a code of practice aimed at protecting drivers from so-called “cowboy” operators. This initiative would have reduced the maximum fine from £100 to £50. However, the proposal was abandoned after legal challenges from private parking firms. Now, the government is working on a new code of practice to address these concerns.
Edmund King, president of the AA, highlighted the long-standing warnings about the need for stricter regulations. He stated, “We warned in 2012, when we managed to get ‘cowboy’ clampers outlawed, that many of these people would go into private parking and hence stricter regulations were needed. Unfortunately, we have been proved correct.”
The data used for this analysis comes from records obtained by private firms from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In the 2024/25 period, 184 such companies requested vehicle owner details, indicating a continued expansion of the industry.
A government spokesperson emphasized their commitment to improving standards within the sector, stating, “We are determined to drive up standards in the industry.” Meanwhile, the British Parking Association defended the industry, noting that only around 0.3% of private land parking events result in a charge. They also pointed out that the increase in charges is closely tied to the growth of managed car parks.
The issue extends beyond city centers, with high costs reported at UK airports. For example, parking for four days at London City Airport can cost up to £189, according to comparison website Confused.com. The average cost for short-stay car parks at major airports is around £93.90 for the same period.
As the debate over parking regulations continues, drivers remain concerned about the rising financial burden and the lack of transparency in the system. With calls for stronger oversight and clearer guidelines, the pressure on both the government and private operators is expected to grow.
