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ARTICLE · 24 FEBRUARY 2026

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CMA Issues First Fine Under New Direct Consumer Enforcement Powers

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The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has fined a firm for failing to respond to an information notice.

United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
David Weaver
David Weaver
Hafsah Nawaz
Hafsah Nawaz
Louise Tolley
Louise Tolley
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The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has fined a firm for failing to respond to an information notice. The fine marks the first use of the CMA's enhanced procedural enforcement powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act and sends a clear signal to businesses about the consequences of ignoring the CMA's communications.

Over a period of three months, Euro Car Parks (ECP) ignored seven separate attempts by the CMA to secure a response, despite emails to company directors, delivery via registered post and hand-delivery by a CMA staff member.

ECP only started to engage with the CMA once the authority issued a "Provisional Notice" indicating a fine would be issued. The CMA did not consider the grounds for excuse submitted by ECP to be sufficient to avoid a fine.

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