What’s Behind the Boom in Parking Charge Notices?

The Numbers

Recent data reveals a dramatic surge in private parking enforcement in the UK. In the 2023-24 year, private car park operators issued nearly 13 million parking charge notices (PCNs).
Between April and June 2025 alone, more than 4.3 million tickets were handed out — equivalent to about 48,000 per day, and up 24% versus the same quarter in 2024.
The surge isn’t just in volume — analysis shows large operator concentration. For example, in the first half of 2024/25, just five companies were responsible for around 45% of all keeper-data requests from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Why It’s Happening

Several factors contribute to this boom:

  • Technology & scale: Advanced ANPR, digital payment and online appeal systems have made enforcement cheaper and faster than traditional methods.

  • More managed land: The volume of private land under formal parking management has increased significantly — meaning more sites subject to PCN regimes.

  • Greater vehicle numbers & usage: More vehicles on UK roads and greater reliance on private-land parking (retail, residential, commercial) means more potential contraventions.

  • Regulatory gaps: While the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 exists, implementation of a statutory code has been delayed or blocked, creating a regulatory environment with less oversight. 

Implications for Motorists

  • Drivers are increasingly likely to receive PCNs.

  • Many may feel the process is unfair or confusing — unclear signage, limited grace periods, or rapid escalation.

  • It highlights the importance of knowing your rights: checking site terms, evidence, and appeal routes.

To understand your rights and how to resolve a notice, see our How to Pay or Appeal a PCN guide.

Implications for Landowners & Car-Park Operators

  • For professionally managed sites aligned with best practice and compliance, this trend reinforces the value of transparent, high-quality management.

  • However, it also raises reputational risk for sites with poor signage, inconsistent enforcement or weak compliance systems — as public scrutiny and regulatory reform intensify.

Discover our Parking Management Services for Landowners.

At ANPRODATA

As a fully accredited operator (IPC member) committed to fairness, clarity and compliance, we welcome the opportunity to provide landowners with responsibly managed parking solutions that avoid the risks associated with unmanaged or poorly regulated enforcement models.

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