Parking Fines Rise by up to a Third in UK’s Top Summer Staycation Destinations

The Holiday Hotspots Seeing the Biggest Parking Fine Surges

Our research shows that Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by councils are rising fastest in Britain’s most beloved summer destinations. Because these areas see massive influxes of visitors during the warmer months, local authorities are stepping up their enforcement.

Here’s how the numbers jumped between 2024 and 2025 in major holiday regions:

1. Isle of Anglesey: This Welsh holiday hotspot saw a 37% jump in fines (from 3,760 to 5,142), with enforcement peaking during September.
2. Cornwall: As one of the UK’s most visited coastal areas, Cornwall saw PCNs rise by 32%, jumping from 40,521 to 53,494 year-on-year.
3. North Yorkshire: Covering the stunning Dales and the Moors, this region saw a 31% rise in fines, peaking in August as PCNs climbed from 64,495 to 84,630.
4. East Riding of Yorkshire: Home to popular seaside resorts like Bridlington, fines rose by 29% (from 20,952 to 27,005), with August consistently being the busiest month for enforcement.

The Most Common Parking Mistakes Catching Out Brits

Most drivers don’t set out to break the rules. When you’ve been driving for hours, and you’re eager to unpack or grab an ice cream, it’s easy to miss local signs or make an honest mistake.

According to our FOI data, these are the top infractions currently catching holidaymakers out:

1 . Blocking Dropped Kerbs

Topping the list of mistakes across the country is parking across dropped kerbs. These lowered pavements and ramps are vital for wheelchair users, mobility scooter riders, and parents with pushchairs. It was recorded as the single most common obstruction fine across multiple tourist destinations, including Cornwall, Conwy, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Newcastle upon Tyne.

2. Resident-Only Parking Bays

Parking in a residents’ or shared-use bay without a valid permit is another easy mistake to make, especially when signs are tucked away. This issue disproportionately catches out visitors who don’t recognise the local restrictions. It’s the number one parking offence in Wandsworth (where 123,972 fines were issued in 2025) and tops the charts in Kingston, Richmond, Reading, and North Tyneside.

3. Other Common Parking Slip-Ups

Our research also flagged several other frequent offences:

• Disabled bays: Parking in a blue badge bay without a valid permit was the most common obstruction fine in Rochdale.
• Pavement parking: This was the most common antisocial parking offence across Angus and North Ayrshire.
• Restricted stopping zones: Stopping outside schools, hospitals, or emergency services led to 9,379 PCNs in North East Lincolnshire alone.

Phil Evans, our Managing Director, says:

“Summer is the busiest time on UK roads, and it’s also when drivers are most likely to be somewhere unfamiliar, whether that’s visiting friends, exploring a new part of the country, or squeezing into a car park they’ve never used before.
A lot of the fines we see in the data aren’t the result of people deliberately breaking the rules; they’re the result of not noticing them. Parking across blocked kerbs, residents’ bays or dropped footways are the kinds of mistakes that are easy to make when you’re in a rush or don’t know the area. The problem is, they’re costly mistakes to make.”

Public Versus Private Parking: Spotting the Difference

It isn’t just local council roads where you need to keep your eyes peeled. There is a big difference between a council-issued Penalty Charge Notice and a private Parking Charge Notice, even though both are commonly referred to as PCNs.

It’s easy to get confused by the different types of tickets. Many drivers don’t realise there are major differences between the two, which can look almost identical when left on your windscreen.

• Council PCNs: Issued by local authorities or Transport for London (TfL) for violations on public land. These are legally binding penalties and are usually discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days.
• Private PCNs: Issued by private companies managing land like retail parks, supermarkets, or private coastal car parks. These are technically invoices for a breach of contract. While they can still be legally pursued, they follow a different appeals process.

Regardless of where you park, taking an extra moment to read the local signage is the best way to prevent an unwanted invoice from landing on your doorstep.

The Surprising Rise in Repeat Parking Offences

You might think that getting caught once would make drivers twice as careful, but our data shows a sharp increase in repeat parking offences.

In Wigan, repeat fines rose by an incredible 209% in 2025 (from 2,013 to 6,229). Calderdale saw a 237% increase (from 2,759 to 9,290), while Cornwall repeat fines rose by 35%.

This suggests that even when we have been caught out before, confusing signage, busy car parks, or simply rushing can cause us to fall back into old habits.

How to Avoid Holiday Parking Pitfalls and Stay Fine-Free

No one wants their holiday budget swallowed up by a penalty charge. Before you head off, here are a few simple ways to keep your trip smooth and affordable:

• Plan your parking: Don’t wait until you arrive at a busy beach to find a spot. Use parking apps or local council websites to identify official car parks in advance.
• Check your vehicle requirements: If you’re taking a larger vehicle like a motorhome, or thinking about renting one, make sure you know where you can and can’t park up overnight.
• Watch the signs in event zones: If you’re heading to a summer event, local councils often enforce strict temporary parking restrictions. Have a look at our guide on driving to festivals for more advice on navigating event traffic.
• Share the driving: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue, making you more prone to missing road signs. Taking turns is a great way to stay sharp. Our share the driving tips show you how easy it is to share the load.

Planning a great British getaway is all about enjoying the journey. Whether you’re debating flying vs driving to Europe or keeping things simple with a local staycation, staying protected is key.

Get a temporary cover quote in under two minutes and hit the road with complete peace of mind.

*Methodology: We issued FOI requests to all UK councils, asking for PCN data between 2024 and 2025.