Drivers in the UK were issued a staggering 14.4 million private parking tickets over the past year, according to new government data analysed by the RAC.

This marks a record high in enforcement, equating to nearly 40,000 tickets every single day, or more than 1.2 million a month.

In the bay

The number of parking charge notices (PCNs) issued by private parking firms has more than doubled since 2018-19, when 6.8 million tickets were handed out.

This surge comes despite the Parking (Code of Practice) Act, passed in 2019 to regulate the sector and curb aggressive or unfair practices.

However, the long-promised protections have yet to be implemented after the initial code was withdrawn in 2022 following legal challenges by parking and debt recovery companies.

Each PCN can cost drivers up to £100, meaning UK motorists could face a combined bill of £1.4 billion, unless they pay early or successfully appeal.

Fickle fines

The rapid rise in enforcement has reignited calls for reform and greater protections for motorists.

“Sadly, our prediction earlier this year that private parking companies were on course to issue around 14.5 million tickets has come true,” said Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC. “This is more than double the number issued six years ago, before the Government passed an Act of Parliament intended to clamp down on the dubious practices of too many private parking operators.”

Williams added that without a government-backed code of practice in place, many drivers are still receiving unfair tickets and being chased by aggressive debt collectors, with no single, independent appeals process to challenge questionable fines.

Pay and display

In response, the Government has launched a new eight-week consultation, open until September 5, aimed at restoring public trust and setting more explicit rules for private parking operators.

The proposed Private Parking Code of Practice includes:

  • Upholding appeals where drivers had no reasonable choice but to breach parking terms.

  • Clarifying signage and rules to prevent misunderstandings.

  • Introducing mandatory grace periods.

  • Retaining the current £100 cap, with a 40% discount if paid within 14 days.

  • Considering a cap on debt recovery fees, currently set at £70.

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said the new code aims to tackle “misleading tactics and confusing processes” often used by parking firms.

“Too many people are being unfairly penalised,” he said. “Our code will bring vital oversight and transparency to raise standards across the board.”

The RAC and other motoring organisations, including the AA, are urging drivers to submit their experiences as part of the consultation.

However, AA’s Head of Roads Policy, Jack Cousens, expressed concern that the Government is “bending the knee” to the private parking industry.

“A higher cap of £100, the retention of debt recovery fees, and the introduction of a £20 ‘mitigation charge’ does little to protect drivers,” Cousens said. “We urge all drivers to complete the consultation and share their experiences. If the Government can understand the depth of contempt drivers hold for some of these shark-like businesses, maybe it will do more to help innocent motorists.”

Stand and deliver

The issue has long been a flashpoint for drivers frustrated by poor signage, malfunctioning payment machines, mobile signal issues, and obscure terms and conditions that lead to unexpected fines.

A 2023 call for evidence revealed widespread concern about excessive charges, inconsistent rules, and the aggressive behaviour of some operators.

The new consultation follows the collapse of the previous code in 2022 after industry stakeholders argued that lower charge caps and bans on debt recovery fees were not adequately consulted on and lacked sufficient impact assessment.

As a result, the Department for Levelling Up committed to a more thorough policy review, culminating in this latest round of proposals.

As motorists hit the roads for summer holidays, campaigners are urging the Government to act swiftly and ensure the revised code is enforced, with real consequences for operators who exploit drivers.

“Drivers need a fair, consistent system,” said Simon Williams. “And they need it now.”