Drivers heading out during the summer holidays are being reminded to take extra care when parking, with motoring organisation GEM Motoring Assist warning that unfamiliar locations and increasingly complex parking rules can quickly lead to expensive penalties.
Whether visiting beaches, tourist attractions or town centres, motorists are more likely to use car parks they have never visited before. According to GEM, that makes it easier to overlook restrictions or misunderstand local parking arrangements, potentially resulting in parking charges from councils or private operators.
The organisation says drivers should always read every parking sign rather than relying on previous experience. Many locations have restrictions that change depending on the time of day, day of the week or public holidays. Some bays may alternate between resident parking, pay-and-display use, loading zones or school street controls, making careful checks essential before leaving a vehicle.
GEM is also highlighting the difference between council-issued Penalty Charge Notices and charges issued by private parking companies. Local authority penalties are subject to established appeals processes with access to independent adjudication, while private parking disputes can follow different procedures that motorists should understand before deciding whether to challenge a charge.
Alongside parking rules, drivers are being warned about the growing risk of QR code fraud. Criminals have been placing fake QR code stickers over genuine payment information in some car parks, redirecting motorists to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment details.
Instead of scanning a code that appears damaged, altered or newly attached, GEM recommends using an official parking app, the operator’s website or payment machine wherever possible. Motorists should also check that their vehicle registration has been entered correctly before confirming payment, as even a minor typing error could prevent the parking session from being linked to the correct vehicle.
A GEM spokesperson said members regularly report confusion over modern parking regulations, adding that simple mistakes can escalate into lengthy disputes. The organisation advises anyone unsure about parking restrictions to find another space rather than risk receiving a costly notice.
Have you encountered confusing parking restrictions or suspicious payment systems? Share your experience in the comments and follow EyeOnLondon for more transport and consumer news.
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