Euro Car Parks Became the First Company Fined Under the CMA's New Information-Notice Powers
The CMA described the action as the first use of the relevant new fining powers introduced following the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The CMA described its action against Euro Car Parks as the first use of the new fining powers introduced following the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This makes the case a landmark in the regulator's enforcement history — regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
Statutory information notices are not voluntary requests
Understanding the penalty requires understanding what an information notice is — and why failing to comply is treated seriously.
An information notice is a legal demand for information, not a request the recipient can choose to ignore.
Regulators use them to collect the information needed to exercise their functions.
Failure to comply without reasonable excuse can result in substantial penalties.
The DMCC Act 2024 introduced the fixed-penalty regime the CMA used here for the first time.
Why being first matters
Even if Euro Car Parks' appeal succeeds, the case is the first application of a new statutory power — and so a reference point for how the CMA uses it.
First uses of new regulatory powers tend to be scrutinised closely — by courts, by regulated businesses, and by Parliament. The way the CMA exercised the power here, and the way the Court assessed the company's challenge to publication, will shape how the power is used going forward.