## Drivers Urged to Challenge Parking Tickets as Fines Reach Record Levels
Motorists across the UK are being encouraged to formally challenge perceived errors on parking tickets issued by private firms, following a surge in the number of fines handed out this year. The International Parking Community (IPC) has responded to recent reports highlighting concerns about potentially unfair parking practices, aiming to clarify the industry’s perspective.
Recent data indicates that private car park management companies have requested driver information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) a staggering 7.2 million times in just six months—a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. This trend, coupled with estimates suggesting a record-breaking 14.5 million tickets will be issued this year, is raising significant concerns.
At an average cost of £100 per ticket, these fines could potentially accumulate to nearly £4.1 million daily, according to the RAC.
Key Issuers: The majority of these tickets are being issued by a small number of companies:
- ParkingEye (1,129,000)
- Euro Car Parks (892,000)
- Horizon Parking (440,000)
- Smart Parking (424,000)
- APCOA Parking (367,000)
The IPC has defended the increase in tickets, attributing it to a significant expansion of professionally managed land – a 475% rise since 2012 – alongside a 20.8% jump in registered vehicles, climbing from 34.5 million to 41.7 million during that same period.
“More land under management combined with more vehicles on the roads naturally leads to more enforcement, an essential tool in ensuring access, fairness, and proper usage for all,”
stated the IPC.
Furthermore, the organization notes that over 35% of parking charges are issued to repeat offenders who consistently disregard posted terms and conditions.
Will Hurley, CEO of the International Parking Community, emphasized the importance of appeals: “One in four individuals who appeal directly to the operator is successful. We strongly encourage motorists who believe they have received a parking charge in error to utilize the appeals process and provide supporting documentation.”
He continued, “These figures demonstrate that the system is functional and drivers are being heard. This established process exists specifically to protect them, and it proves effective.”
The IPC also highlighted a success rate of one in five appeals escalated to an independent adjudicator, attributing this positive outcome to the industry’s adoption of a unified Code of Practice in October 2024, aligned with government guidelines. They support the newly formed Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel, designed to oversee adherence to the Code and prevent unjust fines.
“I would like to once again extend an open invitation to the RAC to engage in constructive dialogue with the private parking sector,”
Hurley added, expressing frustration that the RAC prioritized headlines over collaboration.
According to IPC data, over 68.5 million parking events occur daily across the UK, with a remarkable 99.7% occurring without incident on private land. However, the RAC points out that current requests to the DVLA average approximately 41,000 per day.
Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC, voiced his concern: “It’s very concerning that private parking firms are expanding and projected to issue a record 14.5 million parking charge notices in just one year.”
He added, “As drivers rarely intend to break rules, we fear many are being treated unfairly by these companies.”
