Drivers in Britain are receiving an average of nearly 48,000 parking tickets every day from private companies, according to new analysis of government data. Between April and December last year, 13.1 million tickets were issued by parking management businesses, a 19% increase from 11.0 million during the same period a year earlier.
Each ticket can cost up to £100, meaning the daily total cost to drivers could be nearly £4.8 million. The RAC Foundation, a motoring research charity, said the figures suggest 'something is awry with the system'. Director Steve Gooding noted that with fuel prices high, the last thing drivers need is a parking charge notice.
Private parking firms have been accused of using misleading signs, aggressive debt collection, and unreasonable fees. Many drivers claim tickets are unfair due to faulty payment machines. A code of practice for the industry, which was given royal assent in 2019, was withdrawn in 2022 after a legal challenge by parking companies. A new consultation by the current Labour government closed in September 2025.
The analysis is based on records obtained from the DVLA by companies chasing alleged infringements in private car parks, excluding council-run ones. Some 195 parking management businesses requested vehicle owner records in the final quarter of last year, with ParkingEye being the most active, buying 619,000 records. The DVLA charges £2.50 per record, recovering costs without making a profit.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said motorists must be protected and that a code of practice will be introduced to Parliament this autumn. The British Parking Association defended the industry, stating that effective parking management is essential for keeping towns and cities moving.
