Private parking companies in the UK issued 16.9 million parking fines in the twelve months ending March, marking a 17 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This figure, analysed by the Press Association and the RAC Foundation using Labour Party government data, highlights a significant rise from 14.4 million fines issued the year before, and an even steeper increase from 6.8 million fines recorded in 2018/19.
A legislative effort to regulate the private parking industry saw a Bill granted royal assent in March 2019, proposing measures including halving the penalty cap for most parking offences to £50, establishing a fairer appeals process, and banning aggressive language on parking tickets. The code of practice was intended to be enforced across Britain by the end of 2023.
However, the progress was stalled when the Conservative government withdrew the Bill in June 2022 following a legal challenge from private parking companies. Subsequently, the current Labour government initiated a new consultation on the code, which closed in September 2025.
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The data on parking fines was drawn from records provided by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to private firms pursuing drivers for alleged offences in private car parks, including locations such as shopping centres, leisure venues, and motorway service areas.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, commented: “Since Parliament recognised the urgent need to reform the private parking sector, approximately 76 million fines have been issued – averaging more than two per vehicle in the country.”
He added, “While Andy Burnham faces many pressing issues, addressing this problem would relieve millions of drivers of a significant concern.”