Private parking companies have been found to be on course to issue a record breaking 14.5 million tickets to drivers this year, raking in millions.
It follows reports that found car park management companies' requests for driver information to the DVLA reached 7.2 million in the six months to the end of September 2024.
This represents a 12 per cent increase from the same period a year earlier, with experts now warning that tickets issued to drivers could hit record highs.
Due to each ticket being as much as £100, it could potentially cost drivers nearly £4.1million per day at the current rate, according to the RAC.
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Parking tickets issued by private firms across the UK can cost as much as £100
GETTYThe study found that just five businesses were responsible fornearly half of all tickets issued between April and September last year.
These companies include ParkingEye (1,129,000), Euro Car Parks (892,000), Horizon Parking (440,000), Smart Parking (424,000) and APCOA Parking (367,000).
The RAC stated that the current rate of requests represents an average of 41,000 requests per day to the DVLA.
Private parking businesses have previously been accused of using misleading and confusing signs to fine drivers, as well as aggressive debt collection tactics and unreasonable fees.
An investigation earlier this week by the RAC found that drivers across England have been reporting faulty ticket machines, with one campaigner claiming the devices are "set up to trap people".
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "It's very concerning that private parking firms are growing and on track to issue a record 14.5 million parking charge notices to drivers in the space of just 12 months.
"As drivers don't generally set out to break the rules, we fear many are being treated unfairly by private parking companies that are still operating without Government scrutiny."
In 2019, a Bill to enable a Government-backed code for private parking companies received royal assent under the Conservative Government but failed to be turned into law due to a legal challenge by private parking companies.
In response to the report, the International Parking Community has defended the rise in tickets, stating it directly correlates with a 475 per cent increase in professionally managed land since 2012.
The organisation also pointed to a 20.8 per cent increase in registered vehicles during the same period, from 34.5 million in 2012 to 41.7 million in 2024.
"More land under management combined with more vehicles on the roads naturally leads to more enforcement, an essential tool in ensuring access, fairness, and proper usage for all," the IPC said.
The organisation also said that over 35 per cent of all parking charges were issued to repeat offenders who "disregard signposted" terms and conditions.
Will Hurley, CEO of the International Parking Community, said: "I would like to once again extend an open invitation to the RAC to engage in constructive dialogue with the private parking sector.
"By choosing headlines over collaboration, the RAC overlooks the wider impact of non-compliance on everyday motorists who follow the rules."
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Private parking companies are on track to issue 14.5 million tickets to drivers
GETTYMeanwhile, a Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson promised details on the code "as soon as possible."
The spokesperson stated: "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."
