Parents heading to the coast this October half term are being urged to plan their parking carefully to avoid a ticket. Private parking operators issued around 14.4 million parking tickets in 2024/25, according to government data.
With the clocks going back on October 25, autumn afternoons feel shorter, so spending less time on parking is a bonus. Chris Jeffery, director at Cofton Holidays, has shared tips for parking with confidence at the beach.
Know who runs the car park
Different parts of the same beach can be managed by different parking authorities. In places like Dawlish, one tariff may not cover the whole seafront, and restrictions and prices can vary from one spot to the next. Checking the sign on arrival is worthwhile, even in familiar areas.
Council-run car parks issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), while private operators issue Parking Charge Notices. A council PCN is an official penalty, whereas a private charge is a claim for breaching the car park's terms. Both are handled differently but should be taken seriously.
Plan ahead before you leave
Choosing a parking spot and a back-up before setting off makes arriving more relaxed. The local council website lists seasonal prices and restrictions, as beach tariffs often change between summer and winter rates on different dates.
"Download the relevant parking app before you leave, and take some coins along too," said Chris. "Signal can be patchy along the coast, so it's handy to have a back-up."
Check accommodation and read the signs
For those staying at a holiday park or cottage, it's worth finding out what parking comes with the stay, whether it's included, how many cars are covered, and if a permit is needed. Electric car drivers should check for charging points. "Knowing your car is sorted for the week takes a lot of the pressure off," Chris added.
Maximum stays, "no return" periods, and charging hours can change, so checking each time is advised, especially at frequently visited beaches. At car parks with number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, time usually starts when driving in, so allow for queuing or finding a space.
When paying by app, double-check the registration, as a single typo can mean the payment doesn't match the car. "Screenshot your parking confirmation and keep it," said Chris. "If there's ever a query later, it's useful evidence to have."
If a ticket does arrive
Stay calm and respond to the ticket. Council penalties usually come with a 50% discount for early payment. A new industry code for private parking charges is on the way, but it won't be fully in place until the end of December 2026, so practice still varies between operators. Many offer early payment discounts, and tickets can be challenged if unfair.
To challenge a private charge, appeal to the operator first, then to an independent service such as POPLA or the IAS. "Keep hold of your evidence," added Chris. "Photograph the signs, save your parking receipt or ticket, and screenshot your app payment. That can often be enough to get a ticket cancelled."
