Germany faces surge in complaints over private parking debt collection

Drivers across Germany report receiving parking fines of 47 €, 180 € or higher, followed by repeated reminders, even though they assert they complied with parking rules. Many claim the evidence photos are incomplete or show their vehicles in different locations, and some say they were charged for parking areas they never used. Private operators increasingly rely on automatic licence‑plate recognition, which is legal only when proper signage and legal requirements are met, but disputes arise when motorists cannot verify alleged violations. An ADAC legal expert highlighted these issues and explained the conditions under which such surveillance is permitted.

A separate investigation identified Control & Collect AG as sending collection letters for unpaid private‑parking charges without any registration in the German legal‑services register. The Federal Office of Justice confirmed the company lacks the required licence, and the fees it demanded exceed statutory limits. Consumers are advised to check the register number on any collection notice and to report illegal practices to the authorities.