Unauthorised parking is a persistent issue for landowners, site managers, and commercial property operators across the UK. Whether it’s unauthorised commuter use, overnight stays, or abandoned vehicles, misuse of private land can lead to severe consequences – from lost revenue and operational disruption to reputational damage.
Trusted parking service provider like Bransby Wilson can help car park owners reclaim control of their parking facilities across the country. With decades of experience, we offer parking regulations compliant and reliable private land parking services that deliver results without unnecessary obstacles.
Understanding Unauthorised Parking
Unauthorised parking can take many forms, and each presents unique challenges to landowners and operators:
- Commuter Parking: Individuals use private land for free parking near transport hubs, markets, city centres.
- Non-Customer Use: Non-customers using customer spaces without using your facilities (e.g. hotel or retail settings).
- Overstays: Users ignore time limits and exceed permitted parking durations.
- Abandoned Vehicles: Obstructions that block access and create hazards.
- Event Overflow or Seasonal Peak Hour: Peak usage disrupting regular operations and causing traffic congestion.
Issues caused by Unauthorised Parking
- Reduces space for genuine users and customers.
- Blocks emergency routes and delivery access.
- Increases cleaning and maintenance overheads.
- Creates dissatisfaction among tenants or visitors.
- Negative impact on business’s reputation.
Parking Regulations and Parking Enforcement on Private Land
Landowners in the UK are entitled to enforce parking restrictions on their land but must do so by being complaint with parking regulations.
Key Parking Regulation Considerations:
- Accreditation Matters: Enforcement providers should follow codes of conduct set by the British Parking Association (BPA) or International Parking Community (IPC). So, always be mindful while choosing enforcement service provider.
- Signage is Critical: For enforcement to be valid, signage must set out the parking terms and be British Parking Association (BPA) or International Parking Community (IPC) compliant.
- Parking Charge Notices: Motorists must abide by parking regulations under displayed conditions. Breaches can lead to Parking Charge Notices (PCNs).
By staying compliant, landowners follow parking regulations while ensuring fair and effective enforcement.
How to Prevent Unauthorised Parking?
1. Install Clear and Parking Regulations Compliant Signage
Signage is the foundation of well-regulated enforcement. It must:
- State terms and restrictions based on car park’s location, space limit and other conditions.(e.g. “Permit Holders Only” or time limit like “2-Hour Limit for Customers”).
- Be BPA/IPC-compliant and positioned for visibility at all site entry points.
2. Introduce Permit or App-Based Access
Digital permits or app-based solutions help manage access and space efficiently:
- Define and set user categories (staff, customers, deliveries) to manage space.
- Set up platform like webpage for users to get permits with parking regulators approving/disapproving permits.
- Simplify operation and reduce administrative workload with user flexibility to manage their own information changes on permit.
- Issue temporary or long-term access codes or QR passes.
This method is ideal for busy car parks in hospitals, universities, and private estates, big residential areas requiring controlled but flexible access.
3. Partner with an Accredited Enforcement Provider
Handling enforcement internally can be time-consuming, confrontational and hectic. You can opt for enforcement service provider and working with an accredited one provides:
- On-site patrols trained in de-escalation and parking regulation compliant enforcement.
- Issuance of PCN to non-compliant vehicles.
- Complete compliance with BPA/IPC codes of practice.
- Well-trained patrol officer with expertise in handling unauthorised parking.
4. Monitor and Analyse Parking Usage Data
By collecting and analysing site data, you can monitor parking patterns with detailed reporting via dashboard:
- Detect peak times and usage patterns.
- Use detailed reporting to understand average dwell and set tariff rates.
- Identify persistent misuse and manage occupancy.
- Adjust site layout or terms to optimise parking flow.
5. Use ANPR Technology for Monitoring
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems provide a non-intrusive, always-on monitoring solution.
- Captures entry and exit times.
- Real time data to understand traffic flow, peak timings, and occupancy.
- Flags overstays, unauthorised entries, or known repeat offenders.
- Enables remote enforcement via integrated PCN systems.
- ANPR systems are customisable and fully integrated with reporting dashboards, giving you complete oversight of your site.
How Bransby Wilson can help with Unauthorised Parking?
We understand that every site has unique parking challenges and offer services to overcome unauthorised parking in best way possible.
We offer:
- Signage, layout, tariff rate consultancy – to maximise clarity and flow.
- Customised permit system – from digital permit to physical permit management.
- Live monitoring and reporting tools – empowering smarter site management via platforms like Zatpark so that you can have control over your parking access.
- Complete latest technology solutions – ANPR cameras, easy usage payment terminals and more.
How to Prevent Unauthorised Parking
- Install clear, parking regulations compliant signage.
- Offer digital/physical permits or mobile app access.
- Partner with an accredited enforcement provider.
- Monitor parking data and user trends.
- Review your site layout regularly.
- Deploy technology like ANPR cameras to monitor usage.
Proactive Enforcement Protects Your Property
Unauthorised parking is not only a nuisance; it’s a direct threat to your site’s safety, accessibility, and income. However, it can be controlled with the right strategy and trusted enforcement partners.
Bransby Wilson offers an all-in-one service for parking regulations compliant, non-confrontational, and effective private land parking management
Want to stop unauthorised parking on your land?
Contact Bransby Wilson today to arrange a site survey or learn more about our services.
