**Investigation Launched Into Parking Charges for Drivers at Petrol Stations**
Authorities are looking into allegations that certain motorists have received parking fines while waiting in line for fuel. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an inquiry into the practices of Euro Car Parks to assess potential breaches of consumer protection regulations at petrol stations and in handling appeals.
The CMA stated that the investigation will evaluate the fairness of imposing parking fines on drivers while they queue for or use services at petrol stations, such as car washes. The probe stems from reports of drivers facing substantial penalties for exceeding time limits at petrol stations, with fines as high as £100 issued after just 20 minutes.
Following agreements between major fuel providers BP and Shell with private parking firms to install surveillance cameras at fuel station entrances and exits, the CMA is also scrutinizing Euro Car Parks’ appeals processes concerning both petrol stations and car parks.
The CMA emphasized that it is in the early stages of the investigation and has not yet reached any conclusions regarding potential legal violations by Euro Car Parks. The watchdog previously fined Euro Car Parks £473,000 for failure to comply with a notice requiring information provision, a penalty that the company has appealed.
As part of its efforts to protect motorists from unfair practices related to private parking operators, the CMA released a set of measures. Research indicates that approximately 14.4 million parking tickets were issued in 2024/25 at various locations, including gyms, supermarkets, restaurants, and retail parks, marking a substantial increase over previous years.
The CMA is urging private parking operators to align their practices with consumer laws and is sending communications to trade associations outlining steps to improve appeals procedures and communication with drivers. Additionally, the CMA is providing recommendations to the government regarding a new Code of Practice, emphasizing the importance of informing drivers about their rights and enhancing the fairness of appeals processes.
Emma Cochrane, the CMA’s executive director of consumer protection, highlighted the need for parking companies to treat motorists fairly and ensure transparent and consistent appeals processes. Cochrane also underscored the importance of Euro Car Parks and other private parking operators adhering to consumer laws to avoid regulatory action.
Euro Car Parks has been approached for comment on the ongoing investigation. Lisa Webb, a Consumer Law Expert at Which?, expressed support for the CMA’s scrutiny of Euro Car Parks and emphasized the necessity for a robust government-backed private parking code to protect consumers from unfair charges and practices within the industry.
