One of the UK's largest private parking providers, Euro Car Parks, is being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over whether fining drivers while they're queuing at petrol stations is, in fact, a fair and reasonable practice. The regulator is also scrutinising the company's broader appeals process for parking charges at petrol stations and car parks to see if it breaches consumer protection law.

This is part of a wider CMA crackdown on potentially unfair practices by private parking operators. Research by the RAC suggests the number of tickets issued at places like gyms, supermarkets, restaurants, and retail parks more than doubled in six years, to a staggering 14.4 million. Motorists have complained about unclear signage, faulty apps, and broken ticket machines - the trifecta of modern parking misery.

The CMA wants to ensure drivers are treated fairly, noting that receiving a parking ticket can be a stressful experience, especially when costs are high and unexpected. Emma Cochrane, the CMA's executive director of consumer protection, said: "Parking companies must treat motorists fairly at all stages - and a clear and consistent appeals process must be at the heart of this. It's time for all private parking operators to comply with consumer law or risk action from the CMA."

The investigation into Euro Car Parks is currently in the evidence-gathering stage and is set to run until Spring 2027. Euro Car Parks operates more than 3,000 facilities across the UK and Ireland, with over two million cars parking in their spots every day. The BBC has contacted Euro Car Parks for comment - we'll update you if they come up with a defence for charging people who are just trying to buy petrol.