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THE UK's worst airports for parking fines have been revealed with vehicle owners picking up over 200,000 penalty notices in the space of just months.

According to analysis by Weightmans that’s based on FOI requests sent to councils of surrounding UK airports, a total of 227,222 parking tickets were issued in towns near major UK airports between March 2023 and July 2024.

A map reveals UK's worst airports for parking fines with vehicle owners picking up over 200,000 penalty notices
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A map reveals UK's worst airports for parking fines with vehicle owners picking up over 200,000 penalty noticesCredit: Alamy
Birmingham Airport and the surrounding area is in the top three for fines
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Birmingham Airport and the surrounding area is in the top three for finesCredit: Alamy

This data reveals that Luton Airport stands out as the hub with the highest number of parking tickets issued overall, coming in at 95,271.

Across all UK airports that responded, the average number of PCNs issued was 20,657, with the average cost of a PCN in the UK is approximately £75.

Based on data from the 2023 to 2024 period, three towns stand out for having issued the highest number of parking tickets; Luton, Slough, near Heathrow Airport, and Solihull, which borders Birmingham Airport.

Simon Hartley, litigator at Weightmans said: “With Luton Airport leading the pack with 52,812 tickets issued, it's clear that areas around major airports face significant challenges in managing unauthorised parking.

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Airports based on the total number of parking tickets issued:

  1. London Luton Airport - 95,271
  2. Heathrow Airport - 54,346
  3. Birmingham Airport - 27,177
  4. Gatwick Airport - 22,307
  5. Glasgow International Airport - 12,348
  6. Manchester Airport - 6,444
  7. Liverpool John Lennon Airport - 5,613
  8. Newcastle Airport - 1,803
  9. London Stansted Airport - 1023
  10. Bristol Airport - 631

Analysis by Weightmans

"Homeowners in these areas have several legal remedies available.

“Under property law, they can seek injunctions to prevent further trespassing and file lawsuits to recover damages caused by unauthorised parking.

“These legal actions are crucial for homeowners to protect their property."

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Newcastle Airport, which is visited by thousands of people every day, has introduced controversial new parking rules to fight "illegal" pick-ups.

Officials have attempted to crack down on the "dangerous" behaviour by implementing strict new parking regulations.

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However, an expert has revealed three tips to Sun Motors that could help drivers save on airport parking.

In a study we published in January, it was found that Heathrow airport was the most expensive to park at for one week - costing a sizeable £123 per vehicle.

At the other end of the scale though was Edinburgh, which charges holidaymakers just £34.99 for seven days.

In the three cheapest airports, Scotland was listed twice, with Glasgow ranking second most affordable at £54.99 for a week's stay.

Elsewhere, a map has revealed the UK's top 10 service stations for foodies to enjoy, including a site with a whopping 16 restaurants.

Luton ranks top by some distance when it comes to driver's picking up parking fines in the surrounding area
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Luton ranks top by some distance when it comes to driver's picking up parking fines in the surrounding areaCredit: Andrew Styczynski
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