Drivers still pay private parking fines despite no wrongdoing
April 28, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Private parking firms are under growing scrutiny as new research reveals that thousands of UK drivers are paying parking fines even when they know they’ve done nothing wrong.
The AA has strongly criticised the government for delaying reforms that could help protect motorists, even as the number of parking fines issued by private companies continues to rise. With an estimated 14.5 million penalty notices expected this year alone, the pressure on the government to take action is mounting.
In a survey by the AA of over 11,500 motorists, one in 20 admitted they would pay a private parking charge notice (PCN) immediately, despite being innocent. More than half of those said they just wanted to “get rid of the hassle” associated with fighting the fine.
Meanwhile, some drivers avoid appealing out of fear it won’t work or could lead to court. Of those who do appeal, only a third are confident in winning. Frustration runs high, with some drivers even choosing to ignore notices entirely, believing them to be mere invoices rather than legitimate fines.
What you can and can’t do if you get a PCN
If you find yourself with a PCN, here are some things you can do to soften the blow:
- You can simply pay the fine to resolve the matter.
- If you believe the charge is unfair, you can appeal a fine to the parking company or the Independent Appeals Service.
- Ask the parking company to give evidence of the alleged violation, such as photos.
- Some drivers may choose to ignore the fine, though this can lead to additional penalties or legal action.
Here’s what can’t do if you get a PCN:
- Ignoring a PCN can lead to escalating fines, legal action, or a court judgment.
- Failing to respond to a PCN within the specified time frame (usually 28 days) may result in additional charges or the loss of the right to appeal.
- You can’t simply pass the responsibility for the fine to someone else without appropriate evidence.
The urgent need for reforms
The root cause of the problem, according to the AA, lies in the government’s failure to enforce 2019 reforms, which aimed to regulate private parking firms with a standardised Code of Practice, a unified appeals process, and oversight. However, after a legal battle with the parking industry, the proposed Code was withdrawn in 2022, stalling the reforms.
The delay in implementing these reforms has led to confusion among both drivers and parking firms. In some cases, private companies have introduced their own versions of the code, which are not officially recognised or endorsed, and 5% of respondents to the AA survey mistakenly believed these unofficial codes had government backing.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, described the situation as “scandalous,” pointing out that drivers are being left vulnerable to unscrupulous parking firms without adequate protection. “Drivers are being hounded by an aggressive industry, with little to no protection,” Cousens said, calling on the government to take immediate action.
The financial impact of private parking firms
Fairness isn’t the only concern — there’s a growing financial burden too. The RAC estimates that the total value of private parking fines could reach a staggering £1.4bn by 2025. The number of fines issued by private parking firms has doubled since 2019. At the current rate, 14.5 million penalty demands could be issued by the end of 2025, assuming that targeted drivers all receive a £100 PCN.
The RAC’s analysis also reveals that a small number of parking firms are responsible for a disproportionate amount of the fines issued. Just five firms are behind nearly half of all requests to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for driver details, generating significant revenue for the government from the £2.50 fee charged for each request.
A broken system that needs to be fixed
Delays in enforcing a proper regulatory framework have left UK drivers navigating a confusing and often unfair private parking system, where many feel pressured to pay unjust fines. Inconsistent rules and poor transparency have fuelled growing frustration, with Citizens Advice reporting a 34% rise in parking-related inquiries in the past year.
The AA and other groups are urging the government to implement the long-promised Code of Practice and appeals process by the end of 2025. Until then, millions remain vulnerable to aggressive enforcement and limited protection.
Private parking enforcement has become a growing issue for UK motorists, with the government’s inaction on reforms passed in 2019 continues to leave drivers exposed. The AA’s call for urgent change highlights the pressing need for fair, consistent regulation on the matter.
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