The RAC's warning shot has been fired: drivers are being caught out by private car park PCNs in droves. With thousands of pounds' worth of fines issued every year, the motoring organisation is sounding the alarm on the rise of 'confusion' surrounding complex car park regulations.
Drivers are getting slapped with Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) due to a lack of understanding about parking rules, which can be buried in tiny print or hidden behind complex signs. The RAC stresses that motorists must stay vigilant when parking in private bays – it's not just about paying for your ticket; you need to know the rules on time limits, bay usage, and even what time restrictions apply.
With private car park operators wielding the power to issue these fines, drivers are being told they're only themselves to blame if they get caught out. This means taking a few extra minutes to read all the signs – which can be lengthy or tucked away in awkward spots – before parking up.
The RAC is advising drivers to take a proactive approach: use your phone to check for specific car park rules, download a parking app that clarifies payment and stay times, and don't assume you're in the clear just because you think you know the rules. By doing so, you might avoid a nasty surprise when you come to leave.
As the number of private car parks grows, and with differing regulations across various operators, this issue is unlikely to go away anytime soon – unless, that is, there's greater standardisation in signage or a heightened awareness among drivers. Until then, motorists will continue to be caught out by these complex rules.