Which? responds to investigation into Euro Car Parks handing tickets to drivers at petrol stations

Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said:

"We often hear from people who feel frustrated and confused as they fight unfair charges and tickets issued by private parking operators, including for absurd reasons like queuing for a petrol pump or car wash. 

"It's positive to see the CMA is investigating Euro Car Parks and warning the industry about potential breaches of consumer law. The regulator has seemingly identified examples of opaque communications, dodgy appeals processes and unfair charges across multiple companies, so it must be prepared to crack down hard on any firms that are flouting their legal obligations.

“Separately, the government must get on with replacing the current ineffective industry code of practice with a stronger government-backed private parking code. Ministers should ensure this caps parking charges at a fair level and limits the ability of firms to impose debt recovery fees on consumers.”

Notes to editors:

Which? set out its proposals for private parking sector reform - including a £50 cap on parking charges - in a consultation response last year.