UK regulator investigates Euro Car Parks over petrol station charges

The UK's competition regulator is investigating one of the country's largest private parking providers, Euro Car Parks, over concerns that drivers are being unfairly charged while queuing or using services at petrol stations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is scrutinizing whether these charges, along with the company's broader appeals process concerning petrol station car parks, comply with consumer protection laws.

This investigation is a component of a wider initiative by the CMA to address potentially unfair practices within the private parking sector. Recent research indicates a significant rise in parking tickets issued across various locations, including retail parks and restaurants, more than doubling in six years to 14.4 million. Motorists have voiced numerous complaints to the CMA, citing issues such as unclear signage, malfunctioning apps, and broken ticket machines.

The CMA stated its objective is to ensure fair treatment for drivers who feel they have been unjustly issued parking tickets. The regulator also expressed concerns regarding how some operators handle appeals and the practice of charging motorists additional fees beyond the initial parking charges. The CMA has issued warnings to several individual operators and communicated its concerns to the sector as a whole.

Emma Cochrane, the CMA's executive director of consumer protection, acknowledged the stress associated with receiving a parking ticket, especially given current economic pressures. "Costs are high and often unexpected which is difficult when people are budgeting carefully," she said. "Parking companies must treat motorists fairly at all stages – and a clear and consistent appeals process must be at the heart of this. It's time for all private parking operators to comply with consumer law or risk action from the CMA."

The investigation into Euro Car Parks specifically focuses on the fairness of charges applied to drivers using petrol pumps, car washes, and other forecourt services, as well as the company's appeals system. Currently in the evidence-gathering stage, the inquiry is expected to continue until Spring 2027. Euro Car Parks manages over 3,000 facilities across the UK and Ireland, serving more than two million cars daily.

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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. It's time for all private parking operators to comply with consumer law or risk action from the CMA.