Investigation into parking charges for drivers queuing at petrol stations

The CMA’s executive director of consumer protection Emma Cochrane said receiving a parking ticket could be a stressful experience.

“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.”

In the open letter to private parking operators, the CMA warned they should review their terms and conditions and make changes if necessary to ensure they are complying with consumer law.

The CMA’s investigation into Euro Car Parks is focusing on whether it is fair for drivers to receive parking charges while queuing for, or using, petrol pumps and other forecourt services such as car washes, plus its wider appeals process.

It is in the evidence gathering stage, and is set to run until Spring 2027.

Euro Car Parks has more than 3,000 facilities across the UK and Ireland, according to the company’s website, with more than two million cars parking in their spots every day.

The BBC has contacted Euro Car Parks for comment.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the CMA’s effort was a “major step forward in ensuring drivers are treated fairly by private parking operators”.

He pointed out the watchdog’s crackdown comes ahead of the government’s response to a consultation on reinstating the withdrawn Private Parking Code of Practice.

“The CMA has shone a much-needed light on the appeals process and found major problems that need to be addressed,” he said.

“We strongly hope the code will give us a single independent appeals body, instead of the two we have now – one for each of the two trade associations.”