NCP collapse triggers wave of car park closures across Britain

Car parks across the country have been closed following the collapse of National Car Parks (NCP), the UK’s largest parking operator, which has entered administration amid worsening finances and long-term changes in driving and commuting habits.

The company, owned by Japan’s Park24, appointed administrators in mid-March after what sources described as sustained financial pressure following the pandemic-era decline in city-centre parking demand.

Professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has been brought in to oversee the administration process, with loss-making sites being shut down as part of an urgent restructuring effort.

At its peak, NCP operated around 340 sites across the UK and employed nearly 700 staff. However, shifting travel patterns, increased remote working, and reduced commuter traffic have left many locations commercially unviable.

Administrators said the company had “insufficient cash available to meet its financial obligations”, prompting the decision to close a series of sites.

A total of 20 car parks were shut on March 27, with further closures following in April. PwC has indicated that additional closures may occur as the review of the portfolio continues.

The collapse has already begun reshaping local parking provision, with councils and private operators stepping in to take over former NCP sites in several cities.

In Leicester, three former NCP car parks have been taken over by Euro Car Parks, including St Nicholas Circle and East Street, in an effort to maintain capacity in the city centre.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the move would help restore confidence among motorists.

He said: “Although Leicester benefits from a good range of parking spaces, the re-opening of these car parks gives people more choice, and reassurance when visiting the city centre.”

Elsewhere, local authorities are still assessing how to manage former NCP assets, with some sites already being temporarily operated by alternative providers while longer-term arrangements are negotiated.

The administration of NCP marks a significant moment for the UK parking sector, which has been under sustained pressure from changing consumer behaviour, rising operating costs and reduced demand in many urban centres.

Industry analysts say the collapse reflects a broader structural shift in city transport economies, as businesses adapt to hybrid working patterns and declining daily commuter traffic.

For motorists, the immediate impact is likely to be patchy disruption, with some closures offset by rapid takeovers, but uncertainty remains over the long-term future of several sites still under review.