In response to the rapidly increasing number of complaints and consultations regarding SIA “Park Expert”, the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) has launched an assessment of the company’s commercial practices and urges consumers to exercise particular caution when using parking facilities operated by this service provider.
The CRPC is assessing cases where a contractual penalty has been imposed immediately after the expiry of the five-minute grace period, even though the consumer may not have had sufficient time to complete payment or register the vehicle. The CRPC is also examining situations in which a contractual penalty was imposed on a consumer who was already leaving the parking area.
Particular concern arises in relation to parking facilities located near healthcare institutions, where, due to objective circumstances, individuals may require additional time to review the terms and conditions, register their vehicle, or complete payment.
Between the beginning of 2026 and 12 July 2026, the CRPC received a total of 277 complaints concerning parking services. More than half of these complaints — 164 complaints or 59.2% — related specifically to the activities of SIA “Park Expert”.
This company receives approximately three to five times more complaints than other major market participants.
A similar trend is evident in the consultations provided by the CRPC:
- Of the 200 written consultations, 109 (54.5%) concerned the services of SIA “Park Expert”.
- Of the 339 telephone consultations, 136 (40.1%) related to the commercial practices of SIA “Park Expert”.
The CRPC Reminds Businesses That They Must Ensure:
- clear and easily visible terms and conditions, pricing information, and payment procedures;
- understandable traffic signs and instructions;
- sufficient time for consumers to read the terms, make a payment, or register their vehicle;
- functioning registration and payment systems;
- contractual penalties that are proportionate and supported by evidence;
- objective handling of complaints and a response within 15 working days;
- suspension of contractual penalty recovery procedures until the complaint has been fully reviewed.
In the CRPC’s view, it is unacceptable to impose a contractual penalty automatically immediately after the expiry of the five-minute period without assessing the objective circumstances of the specific situation and the actions taken by the consumer.
CRPC Recommendations for Consumers
- Before parking, carefully review all signs, terms and conditions, fees, and any free parking arrangements.
- Complete payment or vehicle registration within the specified time period.
- Verify that the correct vehicle registration number has been entered and that confirmation has been received.
- Park only in designated spaces and comply with all traffic signs and markings.
- In the event of technical issues, contact the service provider immediately and document the situation.
- Retain payment confirmations, screenshots, photographs, and any other relevant evidence.
- If a contractual penalty is imposed, submit a substantiated complaint and attach all available evidence.