Petrol Station Parking Tickets Face CMA Investigation Over Queuing Charges

Drivers Warned as Watchdog Investigates Petrol Station Parking Tickets

Petrol Station Parking Tickets Face CMA Investigation as Drivers Warned Over Queuing Charges Drivers who receive private parking tickets while queuing at petrol stations could see greater scrutiny of parking operators after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into potentially unfair practices. The investigation is looking at whether motorists can fairly be issued parking charges while queuing for petrol pumps or using other forecourt services, including car washes. Why petrol station parking tickets are under scrutiny The CMA is investigating Euro Car Parks, one of the UK's largest private parking providers, as part of a wider crackdown on potentially unfair practices within the private parking industry. The regulator is examining whether the company's approach to parking charges and appeals complies with consumer protection law. The investigation is currently at the evidence-gathering stage and is expected to continue until spring 2027. The issue has attracted complaints from motorists who say they have received parking charges while carrying out everyday activities at petrol stations. Some drivers have reported tickets after queuing for fuel, while others said they were charged while using services such as car washes, putting air in their tyres or charging electric vehicles. Drivers urged to check parking terms The CMA said motorists had raised concerns about unclear signs, faulty parking apps and broken payment machines, as well as difficulties with parking appeals. The regulator has written to the private parking sector and warned operators to review their terms and conditions to ensure they comply with consumer protection law. For drivers, the investigation does not mean that every parking ticket issued at a petrol station is automatically cancelled. The specific rules and conditions at each location still need to be checked. Motorists are advised to look carefully at signs when entering a private car park or petrol station, particularly where ANPR cameras are being used. Free parking periods may also come with conditions. Drivers may need to register their vehicle details or follow another process rather than assuming that free parking is automatically provided. If a payment machine is broken or a vehicle develops a problem, drivers should keep evidence such as photographs, receipts or other relevant records. Anyone who believes a private parking charge has been issued incorrectly should consider appealing within the relevant timeframe and keep evidence supporting their case. The CMA's intervention comes as the Government's private parking reforms remain an important issue for motorists and the wider parking industry. For drivers, the investigation could be significant because it is examining whether motorists are being treated fairly when they are using petrol stations and other forecourt facilities rather than simply choosing to park. Until the investigation is completed, motorists should continue checking the conditions at individual sites and keep evidence if they believe a parking charge does not accurately reflect what happened. The case is another reminder that parking rules can differ between locations, making it important for drivers to understand the terms before leaving their vehicle or using a private parking facility.