UK motorists hit with record 16.9 million private parking tickets

Private companies in the UK issued a record 16.9 million parking tickets in the year ending March, marking a 17 per cent increase from the previous year. Analysis of government data by the Press Association and the RAC Foundation shows that ticket numbers have risen significantly from 14.4 million the year prior and 6.8 million in 2018/19.

With individual penalties reaching up to £100, the total revenue generated by these private firms could be substantial. The parking industry has attributed the surge to an increase in the number of car parks under active management. However, motorists and experts have raised concerns regarding confusing signage, unreasonable fees, and aggressive debt collection practices.

The rise comes amid a long-standing delay in implementing a formal code of practice. Although the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 received royal assent, the legislation was withdrawn by the Conservative government in June 2022 following a legal challenge from private parking companies. The proposed code aimed to cap most fines at £50 and establish a fairer appeals process.