Euro Car Parks, one of the UK’s largest private parking providers, is under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to determine whether charging motorists for parking at petrol forecourts is fair. The probe also covers the company’s wider appeals process related to petrol stations and car parks, to assess compliance with consumer protection law.
The CMA’s inquiry sits within a broader crackdown on potentially unfair practices by private parking operators. The regulator is examining whether charges imposed on drivers queuing for petrol pumps or using forecourt services such as car washes are fair, and whether the firm’s appeals process is transparent and consistent.
Evidence gathering is under way, and the CMA says the investigation will run through Spring 2027. In the meantime, the CMA has written to the sector as a whole and issued warnings to individual operators about their practices. Motorists have reported problems including unclear signage, faulty apps and broken ticket machines, which the CMA says it will factor into its assessment of fairness.
Emma Cochrane, the CMA’s executive director of consumer protection, warned that receiving a parking ticket can be a stressful experience. “Costs are high and often unexpected which is difficult when people are budgeting carefully,” she said. “Parking companies must treat motorists fairly at all stages – and a clear and consistent appeals process must be at the heart of this. It’s time for all private parking operators to comply with consumer law or risk action from the CMA.”
Euro Car Parks publishes that it operates more than 3,000 facilities across the UK and Ireland, with over two million cars parking in its spots every day, according to the company’s website. The BBC notes the company has been approached for comment.
Industry observers welcomed the CMA’s step. Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert, said the investigation is “positive” and reflects concerns from motorists who feel frustrated by charges issued for reasons such as queuing for a petrol pump or car wash. Jack Cousens of The AA added that forecourts should allow motorists to obtain fuel without penalty simply for waiting their turn, especially as pump prices rise.
RAC policy chief Simon Williams described the CMA’s initiative as a major step forward in ensuring drivers are treated fairly by private parking operators, pointing to the ongoing policy-evolution ahead of responses to a consultation on the Private Parking Code of Practice. Trade bodies including the International Parking Community and the British Parking Association said they welcomed the CMA’s actions and were reviewing the CMA’s letter and guidance to ensure member practices align with the standards.
As the CMA investigates, drivers are advised to check car-park rules, beware that free parking periods may not apply automatically, and to keep evidence if they believe a ticket is incorrect and appeal within 14 days.
