A parking firm that issued almost 2 million tickets in a year has been fined £473,000 for failing to provide information to the regulator. Euro Car Parks, one of the UK's largest private parking companies, is facing a hefty penalty after breaching Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) rules. This marks the first time the regulator has utilized its new fining powers, which were introduced to ensure companies comply with information requests. The CMA stated that Euro Car Parks did not respond for three months to seven requests for information, sent via registered post, emails, and hand-delivered letters. The company's failure to cooperate led to the fine, which was imposed in December last year. Hayley Fletcher, senior director of consumer enforcement at the CMA, emphasized the importance of compliance with information notices, stating that they are not optional and are essential tools for understanding potential legal infringements. This case highlights the consequences of non-compliance, sending a clear message to companies that ignoring regulator requests can result in significant penalties. The fine also underscores the growing scrutiny of private parking companies, which are often perceived as frustrating and stressful for drivers. Lisa Webb from consumer group Which? noted the need for transparency in these companies' operations to improve their public image. Despite the fine, the CMA confirmed that no consumer enforcement case is currently open against Euro Car Parks, and it stressed that no assumptions should be made about consumer law breaches.
