Authorities are looking into allegations that certain drivers have been fined for parking violations while waiting in line for fuel.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation to examine the practices of Euro Car Parks to determine if their actions at gas stations and handling of appeals might violate consumer protection laws.
Regarding the probe, the CMA stated, “The inquiry will assess the fairness of imposing parking fines on drivers while they wait at or use petrol stations and associated services like car washes,” without elaborating further.
This development follows reports of motorists facing hefty fines for overstaying at petrol stations, with penalties of £100 being imposed after just 20 minutes.
Recent agreements between major fuel providers BP and Shell with private parking companies to install CCTV cameras at station entrances and exits have also contributed to the scrutiny on Euro Car Parks.
The CMA is additionally scrutinizing Euro Car Parks’ broader appeals procedures for both petrol stations and parking lots. The CMA clarified that it is in the early stages of the investigation and has not made any conclusions regarding potential legal breaches by Euro Car Parks.
Earlier this year, Euro Car Parks was fined £473,000 by the CMA for failing to comply with a notice requiring the company to provide information. Euro Car Parks has contested the penalty, and the appeal process is ongoing, unrelated to any suspected violation of consumer protection laws.
In a related move, the CMA unveiled a set of measures aimed at assisting motorists in dealing with private parking operators to ensure fair treatment when contesting parking fines.
Data suggests that in the 2024/25 period, operators issued around 14.4 million parking tickets at various locations such as gyms, supermarkets, eateries, and shopping centers, more than double the number issued six years earlier.
The CMA is sending correspondence to private parking operators outlining concerns about the appeals process for drivers and potentially unjust additional charges when attempting to settle unpaid fines.
The watchdog is urging the industry as a whole to adhere to consumer protection laws and is reaching out to trade associations to propose immediate steps for enhancing appeals processes and communications with motorists.
Moreover, recommendations are being made to the government regarding a new Code of Practice, including provisions that parking companies must inform drivers of their rights, improve appeal processes for fairness and consistency, and review guidelines on grace periods.
Emma Cochrane, the CMA’s executive director of consumer protection, emphasized the importance of treating motorists fairly throughout the parking fine process, with a transparent and consistent appeals process being paramount.
Cochrane stated, “We are presenting a series