Research Reveals Airport Hotspots for Parking Violations, with Luton in the Lead

Illegal parking around major airports is a persistent issue affecting both residents and authorities. According to Weightmans' analysis, based on FOI requests sent to town councils of areas surrounding UK airports, a total of 227,222 parking tickets were issued across various towns near major UK airports between March 2023 and July 2024. 

Among these, Luton Airport stands out with the highest number of parking tickets issued overall, totalling 95,271. Slough, near Heathrow Airport, recorded the second-highest number, issuing 42,108 tickets. In contrast, Great Dunmow, near Stansted Airport, issued the fewest tickets, with just 49. 

Weightmans highlights this issue to draw attention to the increasing trend of holidaymakers opting for cheaper parking options in local residential areas near airports. This practice has significantly contributed to the surge in parking tickets in these areas. In light of this, Weightmans advises homeowners on how to manage the potential legal and logistical challenges that arise when their areas become unintended parking zones for travellers. 

Luton Airport Area: The Airport with the Most Violations

Luton Airport has emerged as the leading hotspot for parking violations among UK airports. According to Weightmans' analysis, the area surrounding Luton Airport recorded the highest number of parking tickets issued between March 2023 and July 2024, with a staggering total of 95,271 tickets.  Across all UK airports that responded, the average number of PCNs issued was 20,657. This figure underlines the significant pressure on local residential areas as holidaymakers increasingly seek cheaper parking alternatives, often leading to illegal parking.

Why Some Travelers Risk a Fine

When comparing the average costs, it becomes clear why some travelers might choose to risk receiving a PCN rather than paying for official airport parking. The average cost of a PCN in the UK is approximately £75, which can often be significantly lower than the cost of parking in an airport car park for a week, where the average fee is around £185.40.

This substantial difference—over £100 in many cases—may tempt travellers to seek cheaper, and sometimes illegal, parking options in residential areas near airports, despite the risk of receiving a fine. 

The Locations Hit the Hardest by Parking Violations

Parking violations around the UK’s major airports continue to be a significant issue, particularly in towns close to these busy travel hubs. Based on data from the 2023/24 period, three towns stand out for having issued the highest number of parking tickets, reflecting the pressure on local areas due to airport-related traffic.

The town of Luton, located near London Luton Airport, tops the list with a staggering 86,703 parking tickets issued. This large number is largely driven by the town's proximity to one of the UK's busiest airports, where travellers often seek cheaper parking options in nearby residential areas. The peak for ticket issuance in Luton was in January, highlighting the ongoing struggle with parking enforcement in this area.

Following Luton is Slough, a town close to Heathrow Airport. Slough recorded 42,108 parking tickets, with the highest numbers being issued between July and September. As Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport, the demand for parking in nearby towns like Slough is incredibly high, leading to a significant number of violations.

The third most affected town is Solihull, which borders Birmingham Airport. Solihull saw 26,871 parking tickets issued, with a peak in May. Like Luton and Slough, Solihull’s proximity to a major airport makes it a prime location for illegal parking as travellers attempt to avoid higher airport parking fees.

Full Ranking of Airports by Parking Violations

Parking violations are a significant issue for towns near the UK's busiest airports, with some areas being more heavily impacted than others. Below is the full ranking of airports based on the total number of parking tickets issued in the surrounding areas during the 2023/24 period:

1. London Luton Airport (LTN)
• Total Tickets: 95,271
• London Luton Airport leads by a significant margin, with 95,271 parking tickets issued in the Luton Borough Council area. 
2. Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Total Tickets: 54,346
• Heathrow Airport, the UK's busiest, sees a substantial number of parking violations, with 54,346 tickets issued in the surrounding areas. 
3. Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Total Tickets: 27,177
• Birmingham Airport, located near the town of Solihull, ranks third in the number of parking violations, with 27,177 tickets issued. 

Homeowners' Rights and Preventative Actions

While blocking a driveway on a public road might not constitute trespassing in the traditional sense, it still infringes upon the rights of property owners and can result in legal consequences. When a vehicle obstructs a driveway, the property owner may pursue several legal remedies:

• Issuing a Warning: Property owners can start by issuing a formal or informal warning to the offending party, indicating that their actions are causing an obstruction and requesting that they move the vehicle.
• Reporting to Authorities: If the situation persists, property owners can report the obstruction to local authorities. In many jurisdictions, blocking a driveway is a traffic violation, and authorities can take action by:
• Issuing fines: Local law enforcement may issue a ticket or fine to the vehicle owner for blocking the driveway, as this is often considered a violation of traffic regulations.
• Towing the vehicle: In some cases, authorities have the power to tow vehicles that are obstructing driveways. This can be an immediate and effective remedy to remove the obstruction.
• Legal Actions: If the obstruction is frequent or causes significant inconvenience or harm, property owners may consider legal action. This could involve:
• Seeking an Injunction: Similar to trespassing, property owners can seek a court-issued injunction to prevent the offending party from continuing to block the driveway. Violation of such an injunction can result in further legal penalties.
• Claiming Damages: If the blocked driveway leads to a loss or harm, such as missed work or damage to property, the owner may pursue damages through a lawsuit.

Installing Signage

While the road itself may be public, property owners can take preventative measures by installing signage near the entrance to their driveway. Signs that indicate "No Parking," "Do Not Block the Driveway," or similar warnings serve as legal notice to potential offenders and can support enforcement actions if the warnings are ignored.

Reporting to Authorities

Property owners have the right to seek assistance from local authorities when their driveways are blocked. Municipalities often have specific laws against blocking driveways, and homeowners can report violations using various methods, including:

• Hotlines or Online Reporting: Many municipalities offer hotlines, online portals, or mobile apps for residents to report parking violations, including blocked driveways.
• Frequent Reporting: Persistent issues should be regularly reported to help establish a record of the violations. This can strengthen the case for enforcement actions, such as fines or towing.

Neighbourhood Watch Programs

Neighbourhood watch programs can also play a role in monitoring and reporting vehicles that block driveways. These programs often collaborate with local authorities to ensure a quick response to such issues. By working together, residents can enhance surveillance and deter individuals from obstructing driveways, even when technically on public roads.

Simon Hartley, Real Estate Litigator at Weightmans comments,

“The issue of illegal parking near major airports, as highlighted by our recent analysis, is a pressing concern for both residents and local authorities. With Luton Airport leading the pack with 95,271 tickets issued, it's clear that areas around major airports face significant challenges in managing unauthorised parking.

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 rights.”