Drivers forced to pay out millions in UK airport parking charges as penalties cause ‘pressing concern’

Towns and cities near airports can be hotspots for drivers being issued with parking fines. Slough, near Heathrow Airport, recorded the second-highest number, issuing 42,108 tickets, while the parish town of Great Dunmow, near Stansted Airport, handed out just 49.

Analysis found that the average cost of a parking penalty in the UK is approximately £75, but the penalty is usually halved if paid within 14 days.

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However, an unpaid PCN penalty is treated as a civil debt and drivers could be pursued through the county court system or even get a visit from the bailiff if the debt remains unpaid, the AA warned.

Despite parking tickets being expensive, they are significantly lower than the cost of parking in an airport car park for a week, which costs £185.40.

London Gatwick Airport has the most expensive parking with a two-week stay costing £354, while London Heathrow costs £245 and London City Airport charges £210.

The price difference has meant that many drivers are resorting to parking illegally in areas near airports, despite the risk of receiving a fine, to save money.

Simon Hartley, real estate litigator at Weightmans, said: “The issue of illegal parking near major airports, as highlighted by our recent analysis, is a pressing concern for both residents and local authorities.

He warned that areas around major airports face significant challenges in managing unauthorised parking.

Under UK property law, residents can seek injunctions to prevent drivers from trespassing and file lawsuits to recover damages caused by unauthorised parking. “These legal actions are crucial for homeowners to protect their property rights,” Hartley explained.

According to the RAC, while it is legal to park outside someone’s house, if the vehicle is blocking a driveway or a wheel is over a dropped kerb, the council can act.

Where no parking controls exist, drivers do not have an “automatic spot” for parking outside their homes.

The RAC commented: “If your vehicle is on your driveway and another car is parked on a public highway and blocking your access out of your driveway, the council has the power to act.”

“But if that other car is in the drive, it’s technically on private property – and the council has no authority to remove it.”

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Other situations in which parking isn’t permitted include streets governed by residents’ parking permits or any of the restrictions such as double yellow lines.