Thousands of drivers waking up to £100 ticket but 97 per cent will be 'spared'

Thousands of drivers face waking up to a "ticket" - but 97 per cent of motorists are being spared - new data shows. Some 3.8 million tickets were handed out between July and September, according to analysis of Labour Party government data by the PA news agency and motoring research charity the RAC Foundation.

The latest figures represent a 14 per cent increase from the 3.3 million tickets issued during the same period in 2023. With each ticket carrying a potential penalty of up to £100, drivers could be facing combined daily costs of nearly £4.1million at the current rate.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Private parking is clearly one sector of the economy which appears to be booming but at the expense of millions of motorists each year. It is hard to believe that tens of thousands of drivers are setting out each day intent on flouting parking rules on private land and so risking stiff penalties. These numbers suggest that big questions remain about the way the current system is working – or failing.

READ MORE: Birmingham flashing incident prompts CCTV appeal to find man in ripped denim shorts

READ MORE: ITV Loose Women's Linda Robson 'shaken' after text message from 'daughter' while on air

READ MORE Eight popular beers will be axed from UK pubs

“Drivers must be very wary of where they leave their vehicles as they head out to do their Christmas shopping because these numbers suggest that even the smallest indiscretion is likely to lead to a fine which will erase any sense of festive cheer. If ministers wanted to give motorists a Christmas present they should crack on with implementing the long-promised reforms to parking management which have now been on the statute book for more than five years.”

Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs at the BPA, said: “99.7% of parking activities do not result in a parking charge. Private parking operators provide an essential service, ensuring motorists can park when and where they need. We strongly refute the speculative scare stories perpetuated by the RAC Foundation.

“In October we published a single code of practice which incorporated the standard-raising recommendations from the withdrawn Government code. This includes caps on charges. We are proud of the service our members provide and that thanks to them Christmas shoppers will be protected from selfish parkers and be able to park conveniently and safely.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Motorists must be protected when using private car parks and we are determined to drive up standards in the industry. We know how much of an issue this is for drivers, which is why we will set out further details on the private parking code of practice as soon as possible.”