British motorists are being hit with an alarming average of almost 48,000 private parking tickets every day, according to new figures.
Between April and December last year, private parking management companies issued approximately 13.1 million tickets—a 19% increase from 11 million during the same period the previous year. This equates to nearly 47,750 fines issued daily across the UK.
The RAC Foundation, a motoring research charity, expressed concern over the statistics, suggesting “something is awry with the system.” With individual fines reaching up to £100, the collective daily financial burden on drivers could total nearly £4.8 million.
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Drivers often complain about misleading and unclear signage, aggressive debt collection methods, and excessive charges. Many contest the fairness of tickets related to confusing payment machines and enforcement tactics.
Steve Gooding, RAC Foundation director, said: “With fuel prices soaring, the last thing drivers need is to receive a parking charge notice. While some motorists may flout legitimate rules, it’s troubling that such vast numbers of fines are being issued. This points to systemic problems.”
Efforts to regulate private parking saw a legislative proposal for an industry code of practice receive royal assent in March 2019. The code aimed to reduce maximum fines to £50, create a fairer appeals process, and ban threatening language on tickets. However, following legal challenges from parking firms, the code was scrapped in June 2022 by the Conservative government.
A new consultation launched by the current Labour government concluded in September 2025, seeking to revive regulatory reforms.
Gooding added: “Successive governments recognize the need for clearer protections for drivers and property owners alike, but progress has been frustratingly slow. Perhaps the strain of rising living costs, especially skyrocketing fuel prices, will finally prompt the implementation of a much-needed regulatory framework.”
Fuel prices have surged sharply since February 28, following the Middle East conflict, with petrol up 26p per litre and diesel by 49p.
These parking penalty figures stem from data acquired through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Companies request vehicle owner details when pursuing alleged private car park violations at locations such as shopping centres, leisure venues, and motorway service areas. Notably, council-run car parks are excluded.
In the last quarter of 2024, around 195 parking firms requested DVLA records. ParkingEye emerged as the largest requester, obtaining 619,000 records. The DVLA charges £2.50 per record, a fee intended to cover administrative costs without profit.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government affirmed the government’s commitment: “Motorists must be protected when using private car parks. We plan to introduce a code of practice to Parliament this autumn to address the challenges faced by drivers.”
Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs at the British Parking Association, defended parking management efforts, stating: “The vast majority of motorists follow rules and pay their dues. Effective parking management helps keep our towns and cities functioning smoothly, ensuring safe and convenient access to shops, hospitals, transport hubs, and other essential services. We stand with responsible drivers.”