Euro Car Parks investigated over fining drivers queuing at petrol pumps

• 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.