- The Competition and Market Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Euro Car Parks, one of the UK's largest parking companies, focusing on tickets issued to drivers at petrol stations.
- The inquiry will specifically examine the fairness of issuing tickets to drivers queuing for fuel pumps or other forecourt services, and will also scrutinise the company's broader appeals processes.
- This investigation follows a £473,000 fine imposed on Euro Car Parks by the CMA in February for failing to respond to information requests, with the company's attempt to block its naming via a High Court injunction being refused.
- The CMA has also highlighted wider concerns across the private parking industry, including tickets not being cancelled despite appeals and charges issued for non-payment within just five minutes of entering a car park.
- The regulator has recommended a new code of practice to the Government, advocating for parking companies to inform drivers of their rights and improve appeals, as private firms issue nearly 48,000 tickets daily in Britain, potentially costing drivers almost £4.8 million.
