The competition regulator is investigating one of the UK’s largest private parking companies into whether parking fines are fair for drivers queuing at petrol stations.
Euro Car Parks’ wider appeals process relating to petrol stations and car parks is also being examined to determine whether it breaches consumer protection law.
The investigation is part of a wider crackdown by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into potentially unfair practices by private car park operators.
RAC research showed the number of tickets issued in places such as gyms, supermarkets, restaurants and retail parks had more than doubled in six years to 14.4 million.
Motorists have complained about parking problems, the CMA said, highlighting issues such as unclear signage, apps not working and broken ticket machines.
The regulator said it wants to ensure drivers are treated fairly following complaints from motorists who believe they have been unfairly handed parking tickets.
The CMA says it has its own concerns about the way some operators handle appeals or try to force motorists to pay extra charges on top of parking charges.
He addressed the industry as a whole and warned some individual operators about their practices.
CMA chief executive of consumer protection Emma Cochrane said receiving a parking ticket can be stressful.
“Costs are high and often unexpected, which is difficult when people budget carefully,” she said.
“Parking companies must treat motorists fairly at all stages – and at the heart of this must be a clear and consistent appeals process.
“It is time for all private car park operators to comply with consumer law or risk action by the CMA.”
In an open letter to private car park operators, the CMA warned that they should review their terms and conditions and make changes where necessary to ensure compliance with consumer protection law.
The CMA’s investigation into European car parks is focusing on whether it is fair for drivers to be charged for parking while queuing or using petrol stations and other petrol station services such as car washes, as well as the wider appeals process.
It is in the evidence-gathering stage and is scheduled for spring 2027.
Motorists have taken to social media to express bewilderment and disappointment at receiving parking fines for staying too long at petrol stations.
Some said they had received fines for activities such as charging electric vehicles. Others said they received tickets for apparently overstaying their tires and filling up with fuel. And some complained that they did not understand the signs with the rules of the establishment.
According to the company’s website, Euro Car Parks has more than 3,000 sites across the UK and Ireland, where more than two million cars are parked every day. The BBC has contacted Euro Car Parks for comment.
Which? Consumer law expert Lisa Webb said it was positive to see the CMA launch an investigation.
“We often hear from people who feel frustrated and confused when dealing with unfair charges and fines issued by private parking operators, including for absurd reasons such as queuing at a gas station or car wash,” she said.
Jack Cousins, head of road policy at the AA, said petrol stations and car park operators should allow motorists to get the fuel they need without being fined “for simply waiting in line”.
“Drivers are already feeling the pinch from rising fuel prices, so the last thing they want or expect is a parking ticket just for sitting in line,” he said.