Millions of drivers unfairly slapped with parking tickets last year as UK enters crisis mode for enforcements

With Christmas approaching, drivers are being warned to be particularly vigilant with data showing that 16 per cent of all parking fines were issued during November and December over the past two years.

These months, traditionally busy with holiday shopping and family gatherings, have proven to be peak times for receiving Penalty Charge Notices.

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The average cost of recent parking fines stands at £47, though 14 per cent of drivers paid over £60 for their infractions, the FOI noted.

Data showed a clear upward trend in enforcement, with the number of fines increasing by five per cent from 5.5 million in 2022 to almost 5.8 million in 2023.

The FOI also found that out of the drivers who received PCNs, more than half (55 per cent) admitted to getting multiple tickets, with expired parking time being the most common reason at 27 per cent.

Other frequent infractions included failing to pay for parking altogether (20 per cent) and parking on yellow lines (16 per cent).

The FOI stated that most drivers (73 per cent) opted to pay within the first 14 days to receive a 50 per cent discount on their fines. Appeals against parking fines have become increasingly common, with 2.5 million PCNs challenged since 2022.

Success rates for appeals have remained consistent, with 37 per cent winning their cases in 2022 and 34 per cent in 2023.

A significant number of drivers cited unclear parking signs as their reason for appeal, with nearly one-third (30 per cent) stating they found the signage confusing.

Meanwhile, the report flagged that one in three drivers who appealed for a ticket claimed they were only a few minutes late returning to their vehicle and felt the fine was disproportionate.

The widespread confusion over parking signs has also been highlighted by new research showing 81 per cent of drivers find them difficult to understand.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of motorists stated that they seek alternative parking spots when confronted with confusing signs.

Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com which commissioned the research, said: "Just like many of our motoring bills, the cost of penalty charge notices (PCNs) is an extra strain on the pockets of drivers.

“Our research found that three in five (63 per cent) drivers think parking signs should be made clearer to avoid confusion.”

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He added: "If you're unsure whether you can park in a space or not, don't take the risk. You should consider parking elsewhere to avoid the risk of getting a fine, even if it's only for a few minutes.

"All you need to do is upload an image of the parking sign and our generator will tell you the simple rules for that space."