NCP, a leading car park operator, is actively pursuing drivers for outstanding parking fines despite its recent collapse earlier this year. The company entered administration in March, jeopardizing nearly 700 jobs and operating approximately 340 car parks across the country.
According to reports by The Times, in the initial month of administration, collections of unpaid parking fines amounted to £402,000. At the time of collapse, NCP was burdened with almost 100,000 unresolved parking charge notices. This figure includes approximately 15,000 cases awaiting court decisions and an additional 80,000 cases handled by debt collection agencies. Despite being in administration, NCP retains the authority to enforce existing fines and issue new ones.
Following the closure of 29 car parks post-collapse, NCP’s remaining facilities continue normal operations, while administrators at PwC are actively seeking a new owner. The company primarily leases its car parks from freeholders rather than owning them outright. NCP attributed its financial struggles to a decrease in parking demand after Covid-19, mainly due to reduced commuting as hybrid work arrangements became more common.
Notably, city-center and commuter locations experienced significant declines in footfall. NCP also cited challenges related to costly long-term leases on unprofitable sites. Established in London in 1931, NCP is owned by the Japanese company Park24, with parking fees varying by location, sometimes reaching up to £60 for a full day’s parking.
Joint administrator Zelf Hussain from PwC expressed concerns over NCP’s longstanding operational challenges and emphasized the priority of maintaining service continuity during the review process. The administrators aim to explore all options, including potential business sales, to secure the best outcomes for creditors and stakeholders amidst the company’s restructuring efforts.
