Private parking companies have issued an estimated 76 million tickets to motorists over the past seven years, according to new analysis which has prompted renewed calls for reform of the sector.
The figures, compiled by the RAC Foundation, are based on data showing how often private operators accessed vehicle keeper details from the DVLA in order to pursue alleged parking infringements. Between April 2019 and September 2025, there were 68.4 million such requests, with a further eight million recorded since.
The scale of enforcement has led to concerns that the system is operating in a way that disproportionately impacts drivers.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “No one denies there are some drivers who will always try it on, but the idea that the vast majority of the estimated 48,000 people who get ticketed daily set out to flout the rules is absurd.
“In this financial climate who knowingly risks getting charged a ‘penalty’ of typically £100? This suggests something fundamental is wrong with the system and we urge ministers to finally act to curb some of the power of the parking industry whose aim, which is understandable in a way, is to make as much money as possible.”
Efforts to reform the private parking sector have been ongoing for several years. In 2019, the Parking (Code of Practice) Act received Royal Assent, with the intention of introducing a unified code of conduct. The reforms were designed to address longstanding concerns about unclear signage, aggressive debt recovery practices and disproportionate charges.
Among the proposed changes was a reduction in the cap on parking charges, which would have seen most penalties set at £50. However, the implementation of the code was withdrawn in 2022 following a legal challenge, delaying the introduction of nationwide standards.
A further consultation on a revised code was undertaken by the current Government in 2025, although no final framework has yet been implemented.
Responding to the latest figures, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Motorists must be protected when using private car parks and we are determined to drive up standards in the industry.
“We have run a consultation on this issue and will set out further details on the private parking code of practice as soon as possible.”
Industry representatives, however, maintain that enforcement plays a necessary role in maintaining order within car parks.
Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs at the British Parking Association, said: “The BPA recognises the need for a code of practice that reflects today’s motoring environment.
“With record numbers of vehicles on the road, the new framework is an important step to address current concerns, protect decent drivers and deter behaviour that harms communities.
“Parking charges act as a deterrent. When they are reduced, evidence shows that compliance falls, disruption rises and more people ultimately receive charges.”
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between consumer protection and enforcement within the private parking industry, with ministers under increasing pressure to deliver a regulatory framework that balances both interests.
For motorists, the current position remains unchanged: private parking charges continue to be enforceable, and drivers should exercise caution when entering privately managed car parks, particularly where terms and conditions may not be immediately clear.
About Freeman & Co.
Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.
Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.
The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.
Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.
The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.
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