Private parking fines should be limited to £50, according to calls made by campaigners to the government. Labour is currently seeking input on a new legally enforceable code of conduct to regulate car park operators, following the abandonment of a previous effort by the Tories.

Currently, the private parking industry self-regulates, sparking outrage among motorists who feel unfairly treated by operators imposing substantial fines and pursuing them with debt collectors if payments are refused. The proposed crackdown comes after the RAC revealed a record 14.4 million tickets were issued by private parking firms in the year ending March.

Government data highlights a significant rise in car park management companies requesting DVLA vehicle owner details to issue fines, escalating from 1.9 million in 2012 to 8.4 million in 2019 and 12.8 million in 2024.

Introduced in October last year, the industry’s parking code of practice implemented various measures such as a 10-minute grace period, clearer signage, and a £100 charge cap. However, the code only applies to members of specific associations, with some provisions delayed until December 2026.

Consumer advocate Which? advocates for a maximum fine cap of £50, along with mandatory clear signage in car parks to address driver grievances over confusing signs. Which? also demands that mitigating circumstances like medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns be considered before issuing fines, suggesting cancellation rather than mere reduction in penalties. Criticisms are directed at the automatic imposition of debt recovery fees by parking firms, adding £70 to fines. Additionally, Which? pushes for the establishment of a single independent appeals service for challenging unjust fines.

Alex Norris MP, who previously held a ministerial position at the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government and now serves at the Home Office, noted the importance of the private parking industry in supporting local economies while acknowledging reports of misconduct by parking operators.

Sue Davies, head of consumer rights policy at Which?, emphasized the need for greater consumer protection against unfair treatment by private parking companies and their debt recovery agents, despite industry attempts to improve through self-regulation.

The British Parking Association expressed support for the government’s consultation, cautioning that reducing parking charges could undermine compliance and penalize law-abiding motorists. They advocate for maintaining the £100 charge cap and the £70 debt resolution fee to deter rule-breaking and ensure proper use of parking spaces.