Private parking firms are on course to hand out a record 14.5 million tickets to UK drivers this year.

The revelation comes after they submitted more than 7.2 million requests for vehicle keeper details to the DVLA in just the first half of the 2024–25 financial year.

These are on top of other local authority parking enforcement systems revealing an increasing policing and mnetising of parking across the country amidst a growing vehicle population in the UK

Bay number one

New figures have been revealed through RAC analysis.

The requests for vehicle keeper details equates to 41,000 data requests every single day and marks a 12% increase compared to the same period last year (6.5 million).

Based on current trends, it would surpass the previous annual record and raise further questions about the oversight of private parking enforcement.

Accountable

Much of the increase, the RAC argues, stems from the collapse of the government’s Private Parking Code of Practice.

The code, intended to curb poor practices by private operators, was withdrawn in 2022 following legal challenges from parking firms and debt recovery agencies.

As a result, enforcement activity remains largely unchecked.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “Despite legislation being passed more than five years ago to improve industry conduct, the official code has never come into force. Drivers are understandably frustrated – eight in ten we surveyed say they want the government to act swiftly to reinstate protections.”

Pay the attendant

The DVLA data shows that a handful of companies dominate enforcement activity.

Just five firms – ParkingEye, Euro Car Parks, Horizon Parking, Smart Parking, and APCOA Parking – made nearly half (45%) of all requests.

ParkingEye alone was responsible for over 1.1 million, accounting for 16% of the total.

Overall, the top 10 parking operators accounted for 64% of all DVLA keeper detail requests – approximately 4.6 million.

Each request costs £2.50, meaning private companies spent approximately £18 million in the first half of the financial year accessing driver information.

More cars, more fines

A leading trade body, the International Parking Community (IPC), defended the increase, citing a 475% rise in professionally managed land since 2012.

They also point out that the number of registered vehicles on UK roads has grown by 20.8% in the same timeframe.

The IPC added that 35% of parking charge notices are issued to repeat offenders, suggesting that some drivers continue to ignore rules despite multiple warnings.

To address concerns, both the British Parking Association and the IPC introduced a new industry code of practice in October 2024.

However, critics say it lacks the legal backing and enforcement power of the government’s shelved code.

Not fair?

For drivers facing unfair parking tickets, the RAC has published a step-by-step guide to appealing both private and council-issued notices.

The IPC also offers its own advice through a dedicated website.

Williams urged drivers not to ignore unjustified charges: “If anyone feels they’ve been wrongly told to pay £100, they should challenge it. With some firms quick to issue debt collection threats, the process can be daunting, but help is out there.”

Until regulatory reform is enforced, private parking enforcement looks set to remain a contentious issue for millions of UK motorists.