1 in 20 drivers would pay an unjustified parking fine, AA survey reveals

AA calls for urgent government action as private parking complaints soar

A new survey by the AA has revealed that 1 in 20 drivers (5%) would immediately pay a private parking charge notice (PCN) — even if they had done nothing wrong — with the organisation warning that ‘drivers are being attacked by shark-like businesses’ due to the lack of protections.

The findings highlight growing concerns about the private parking industry and the urgent need for stronger consumer safeguards.

According to the survey, more than half (53%) of drivers willing to pay an unjustified parking ticket said they would do so simply to ‘get rid of the hassle.’
Meanwhile, 13% of respondents felt they would not get a fair hearing if they appealed, and 11% admitted they would fear potential legal action.

The AA described private parking firms as ‘shark-like businesses,’ criticising their aggressive tactics and calling for immediate government intervention to protect drivers. The leading voice for UK motorists wants to see a clear, fair, and enforceable code of conduct put in place urgently.

Motorists are advised to challenge any unfair tickets, seek advice if needed, and stay informed as the government works toward long-overdue reforms.

Surge in complaints against private parking firms

The trend of drivers seeking help is on the rise. In 2024/25, Citizens Advice assisted 9,926 people with private parking issues — a sharp increase from 7,412 cases just three years earlier.

Private parking operators have long faced accusations of:

• Misleading and confusing signage
• Aggressive debt collection practices
• Unreasonable fees

Recent investigations have even uncovered faulty parking machines that issue tickets unfairly, with some campaigners alleging that these devices are ‘set up to trap people.’

Government delays in implementing a parking code of practice

In 2019, Parliament passed legislation allowing for a Government-backed code of practice for private parking companies. However, the code was withdrawn in 2022 after a legal challenge from parking firms — and no new code has been implemented since.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, called the delay ‘scandalous,’ stating:

‘Six years on, no part of the legislation has been introduced to protect and safeguard drivers from an aggressive industry.’

He emphasised that drivers are losing confidence in the appeals process and feel forced to pay unjustified fines out of fear and frustration. Cousens urged the Government to implement the rules by the end of the year to restore balance and protect motorists.

Private parking tickets continue to rise

Private parking companies issued an astonishing 7.2 million PCNs in just six months to September 2024 — an increase of 12% from the previous year.
This equates to around 41,000 tickets per day, with each fine potentially costing drivers up to £100.

These charges are commonly issued for alleged parking breaches in locations like shopping centres, leisure facilities, and motorway service areas.

Government promises action

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris acknowledged the deep-rooted issues, blaming the previous government for failing to act:

‘We inherited a dysfunctional private parking market that has lacked crucial transparency and protection for motorists.’

Norris confirmed that the current government is working at pace to introduce a stronger, legally binding Private Parking Code of Practice.

Parking industry defends appeal system

Meanwhile, Will Hurley, Chief Executive of the International Parking Community (IPC), defended the existing appeals process, noting that one in four motorists who appeal are successful. He encouraged drivers who believe they have been wrongly fined to submit evidence and appeal through the system.