The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Euro Car Parks over claims that drivers have been unfairly issued parking charges while queuing for petrol or using forecourt services such as car washes. The watchdog confirmed it is examining whether the private operator's practices at petrol stations and its handling of appeals may breach consumer protection law.
Investigation Details
The CMA stated: “The investigation will consider whether it’s fair for some drivers to receive parking charges while queuing for, or using, petrol pumps and other forecourt services, such as car washes.” The authority declined to provide further specifics at this stage. This follows previous reports of drivers receiving £100 penalties for overstaying at petrol stations by as little as 20 minutes.
The probe comes after major fuel retailers BP and Shell signed agreements with private parking firms to install CCTV cameras at entrances and exits of their stations. The CMA is also examining Euro Car Parks’ wider appeals processes related to both petrol stations and car parks. The authority emphasized it is at the beginning of its investigation and has reached no conclusions about whether Euro Car Parks has broken the law.
Broader Actions on Parking
In addition to the investigation, the CMA announced a package of actions aimed at helping motorists deal with private parking operators. According to CMA research, operators issued approximately 14.4 million parking tickets in the year 2024/25 at locations such as gyms, supermarkets, restaurants, and retail parks—more than double the number issued six years ago.
The CMA is writing to private parking operators expressing concerns about the appeals process for drivers and potentially unfair additional charges applied when recovering unpaid parking charges. It is calling on the sector to ensure practices comply with consumer law and is writing to trade associations about immediate improvements to appeals handling and communications with motorists.
Recommendations and Previous Penalties
The CMA is also making recommendations to the government on the new Code of Practice, which it has consulted on. These recommendations include requiring parking firms to make drivers aware of their rights, improving appeals processes to be fair and consistent, and reviewing rules around consideration periods.
In February 2024, the CMA fined Euro Car Parks £473,000 for failing to respond to a notice legally requiring the company to provide information. Euro Car Parks has appealed that penalty, and the appeal is ongoing. The fine does not concern any alleged infringement of consumer protection law.
Official Statement
Emma Cochrane, executive director of consumer protection at the CMA, said: “Being issued with a parking charge can be a stressful experience. Costs are high and often unexpected which is difficult when people are budgeting carefully. Parking companies must treat motorists fairly at all stages – and a clear and consistent appeals process must be at the heart of this. We’re setting out a package of actions and recommendations to help drivers and we’ve launched an investigation into the practices of Euro Car Parks. It’s time for all private parking operators to comply with consumer law or risk action from the CMA.”
Euro Car Parks has been contacted for comment.
