Cap parking penalty charges to £12 within 7 days
The Issue
I recently found myself trapped in an unfair and frustrating situation that I know affects many others. After visiting a car park that prominently advertised "Free 2 hours parking for Sainsbury’s customers if you shop at least £10", I am now being hounded for £510. Despite fulfilling the spending requirement and retaining all my receipts as evidence of my transactions, I’m being penalized with charges amounting to £170 for each of my three visits.
This situation seems to punish rather than reward loyalty, and it raises serious concerns about the practises of private parking operators who wield these penalties. Many like me have abided by the rules yet find themselves facing exorbitant fines due to loopholes or unclear terms. It is high time we address this systematic issue and protect honest consumers from financial bullying.
We propose that all parking penalty charges be capped at £12 if paid within 7 working days, with a maximum fee of £84 if delayed. This approach not only ensures fairness but would deter exploitative charges while encouraging prompt payment from those who might genuinely err. The current punitive charges are disproportionate and unjust, often targeting individuals who are vulnerable or unaware.
According to statistics, over 11 million private parking tickets are issued every year in the UK, with an average fine often exceeding the parking tariff. Many of these fines contribute to private firms collecting millions, often more than the necessary improvements or maintenance of car parks require. This figure underscores the urgent need for reform and transparency in how fines are calculated and imposed.
By signing this petition, you stand to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals who might otherwise be unfairly punished by these practices. Let us demand clarity, fairness, and justice for all UK citizens. Support this initiative to cap parking penalties, ensuring they remain reasonable and reflective of the actual infraction rather than a source of revenue.
Join us to make parking penalties fairer and more transparent for everyone across the UK. Sign this petition to call on the UK government and local councils to take action and institute these necessary changes.
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The Issue
I recently found myself trapped in an unfair and frustrating situation that I know affects many others. After visiting a car park that prominently advertised "Free 2 hours parking for Sainsbury’s customers if you shop at least £10", I am now being hounded for £510. Despite fulfilling the spending requirement and retaining all my receipts as evidence of my transactions, I’m being penalized with charges amounting to £170 for each of my three visits.
This situation seems to punish rather than reward loyalty, and it raises serious concerns about the practises of private parking operators who wield these penalties. Many like me have abided by the rules yet find themselves facing exorbitant fines due to loopholes or unclear terms. It is high time we address this systematic issue and protect honest consumers from financial bullying.
We propose that all parking penalty charges be capped at £12 if paid within 7 working days, with a maximum fee of £84 if delayed. This approach not only ensures fairness but would deter exploitative charges while encouraging prompt payment from those who might genuinely err. The current punitive charges are disproportionate and unjust, often targeting individuals who are vulnerable or unaware.
According to statistics, over 11 million private parking tickets are issued every year in the UK, with an average fine often exceeding the parking tariff. Many of these fines contribute to private firms collecting millions, often more than the necessary improvements or maintenance of car parks require. This figure underscores the urgent need for reform and transparency in how fines are calculated and imposed.
By signing this petition, you stand to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals who might otherwise be unfairly punished by these practices. Let us demand clarity, fairness, and justice for all UK citizens. Support this initiative to cap parking penalties, ensuring they remain reasonable and reflective of the actual infraction rather than a source of revenue.
Join us to make parking penalties fairer and more transparent for everyone across the UK. Sign this petition to call on the UK government and local councils to take action and institute these necessary changes.
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Petition created on 30 July 2026