UK Regulator Investigates Parking Firm Over Petrol Forecourt Charges
The Competition and Markets Authority is examining whether Euro Car Parks' charges for drivers at petrol stations are fair and also reviewing its appeals process.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Euro Car Parks, one of the country's largest private parking providers, to determine if its parking charges for drivers at petrol forecourts are fair. The investigation also includes a review of the company's broader appeals process concerning petrol stations and car parks to ensure compliance with consumer protection law.
This probe is part of a wider initiative by the CMA to address potentially unfair practices by private parking operators. Recent research by the RAC indicates a significant increase in parking tickets issued in various locations such as gyms, supermarkets, restaurants, and retail parks, with the number more than doubling in six years to 14.4 million.
Motorists have lodged numerous complaints with the CMA, citing issues such as unclear signage, malfunctioning apps, and broken ticket machines. The regulator aims to ensure drivers are treated equitably, particularly following reports of drivers feeling unjustly issued parking tickets. The CMA has also expressed concerns regarding how some operators manage appeals and their practice of charging additional fees on top of initial parking charges.
Emma Cochrane, the CMA's executive director of consumer protection, acknowledged that receiving a parking ticket can be a stressful event. "Costs are high and often unexpected which is difficult when people are budgeting carefully," she stated. "Parking companies must treat motorists fairly at all stages – and a clear and consistent appeals process must be at the heart of this."
The investigation into Euro Car Parks specifically scrutinizes whether it is fair to issue parking charges to drivers while they are queuing for, or using, petrol pumps and other forecourt services like car washes. The company operates more than 3,000 facilities across the UK and Ireland, handling over two million cars daily. The evidence-gathering stage of this investigation is scheduled to continue until Spring 2027. Euro Car Parks has been contacted for comment.