While legislators continue to drag their feet on implementing a binding parking code of practice, motorists across the country face mounting financial penalties from an increasingly aggressive private parking sector.
Private firms are projected to issue over £1.4 billion in fines by 2025, more than doubling the total from 2019, creating a significant financial burden during already challenging economic times.
The government inherited this dysfunctional market after previous administrations failed to enact the code that Parliament approved in 2019. I’ve seen countless cases where motorists pay fines immediately—even when unjustified—simply due to confusion over unofficial industry codes and fear of escalating penalties that can reach £100 per incident.
This regulatory vacuum has allowed a small number of parking operators to dominate the landscape, with data showing these firms generate substantial revenue for the government through the £2.50 DVLA fee for each driver detail request. These requests from parking companies provide the government with £36 million annually.
The situation has become what the AA rightfully describes as “scandalous,” leaving drivers vulnerable to predatory practices with minimal recourse.
Appeals data offers a glimmer of hope, with approximately 25% of challenges resulting in successful outcomes. This statistic underscores the importance of contesting questionable fines, though many motorists remain unaware of their rights or the appeals process specifics.
Local governments have expressed growing concern about the lack of transparency in private parking operations. The promised code would standardize practices across the sector, improving the appeals process and establishing clearer guidelines for operators and drivers alike.
Cross-party support exists for addressing this issue, signaling political recognition of the problem’s severity. However, the 2022 withdrawal of the proposed code further delayed reforms, allowing the industry to operate with minimal oversight.
For drivers maneuvering this complex terrain, careful documentation of parking circumstances remains essential. Recent data shows private companies are issuing 41,000 PCNs daily, highlighting the scale of this growing problem. Until the government implements the long-promised code of practice, motorists must remain vigilant against a system that currently favors operators over the driving public.
