Drivers hit with £5bn in parking fines since ‘crackdown’ on ‘cowboy’ firms
A new report has revealed that drivers across the UK have been hit with almost £5 billion in parking fines since the Government aimed to tackle the problem of ‘cowboy’ parking firms.
According to the research from The Mail on Sunday, private parking companies issued £4.8 billion in parking fines since the Government in 2019 stated that they would crackdown on extortionate fees.
Five years ago, Parliament passed a law that was supposed to make it easier to stop the rise in aggressive tactics by these companies to extort money from drivers.
However, the research found that this year, private parking companies are set to give out 13 million parking fines.
That equates to more than 35,000 a day.
The investigation also found that some of these companies will see their profits double this year.
In part, this is due to them being able to issue higher levels of fines for drivers compared to Government or council parking areas.
- Parking on the pavement – is it illegal?
- Parking guide – all you need to know
- Is your vehicle too long for public car parks?
The changes in 2019 were supposed to signal the introduction of a code of practice to tackle rising parking fines.
This was due to see fine halved to a maximum of £50, along with clearer signage and a fairer appeals system.
The code’s original aim was to standardise the practices of private parking companies across the UK, ensuring consistency in how parking is managed and enforced on private land.
However, it was later withdrawn following challenges from the parking firms.
The RAC's head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “The delays sparked by parking companies and debt recovery firms challenging the code have meant thousands upon thousands have had to pay fines which were totally disproportionate.
“And then there's those that have had horrible threats of bailiffs and court actions. We badly need to bring an end to £100 parking charge notices and people being hounded.”
The code was due to be overseen by an independent body, ensuring that private parking companies adhere to the rules and standards set out in the code.
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
• Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
.JPG%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
You might also like
Airport parking fees in the UK
New RAC analysis shows that seven of the top 20 by passenger numbers have further increased their prices for airport drop-off parking since last summer.
Drivers in Wales warned over ‘fake’ car parking QR codes
According to a new report, one driver in Pembrokeshire in Wales was caught out paying for parking using a ‘fake’ QR code. Learn more from the RAC today.
How to guide - bay parking for your driving test
Daunted by the prospect of a busy car park or squeezing in next to other cars? Here’s our ultimate guide to forward and reverse bay parking. Read more here.
Parent and child parking bays – the law and who can use them
The rules around using a parent and child parking bay aren't always clear - especially in the United Kingdom. Find out everything you need to know and more.
Parking on the pavement - is it illegal? The definitive answer
Parking on the pavement is not illegal outside of London and Scotland. You can, however, still get a fine for doing so in some instances. Learn more here.
Popular in News
1
EV car batteries last longer than expected, according to new study
2
Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
3
Vaping in cars with children could be banned
4
Graduated driving licences set to be introduced in Northern Ireland
5
Quarter of drivers say they’ve suffered vehicle crime
6
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
7
Government extends home EV charger grant to 2027
8
Four-in-five drivers concerned about dazzling headlights as darker evenings arrive
9
Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years
10