Bolton drivers issued urgent parking warning amid rise in reports

Motoring experts at Dick Lovett have raised concerns about “quishing” scams targeting drivers.

It comes just after a year, Bolton Council issued a similar warning to drivers to be vigilant after fake QR codes have been found on pay and display machines around Bolton town centre.

The warning follows new research showing 42% of drivers would scan a QR code to pay for parking without checking if it was genuine, while 19% said they had already been scammed while trying to park.

Alex Lee, motoring expert at Dick Lovett, said: “Quishing is a term used to describe fraud using fake QR codes.

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— Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (@DVLAgovuk) June 17, 2026

“It’s one of the most commonly used types of fraud for tricking motorists into making parking payments or sharing personal information.

“It is usually carried out by placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones on parking machines or signage.

“When scanned, drivers are directed to convincing-looking websites that mimic genuine parking payment services.

“You’ll be asked to give up personal information and payment details, which are then taken by the scammers.”

The survey found 62% of drivers aged 25 to 34 said they would scan a parking QR code without question.

Dick Lovett also found frustration with digital parking systems.

Almost three in five drivers (58%) said they had experienced problems with parking apps.

Two-thirds (67%) said they would prefer to pay at a machine rather than using an app.

DVSA on driving lessons

From May 12, only learner drivers will be able to book or change a car driving test, while from June 9, location limitations will apply when moving a booked test.

This follows DVSA’s announcement that from March 31, the number of changes a learner driver is allowed to make to a car driving test booking will be cut to 2 (reduced from 6).

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “Learning to drive is hard enough without an unfair booking system.

“Learners deserve clear, honest access to tests – not being ripped off by third party sites. These changes put learners back in control, stop the system being gamed, and help make sure tests go to those who really need them.

“I welcome DVSA’s action to make things fairer and support learners on their journey to becoming safe, confident drivers.”

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Beverley Warmington, DVSA’s new chief executive, added: “We have listened to learners, driving instructors and voices from across the driver training industry on how to make the booking rules fairer.

“Our priority is to stop learners being exploited by third parties and put them in control of booking their driving test.

“The changes announced today will help us achieve that goal and build on the more than 149,000 additional tests delivered between April 2025 and February 2026.”

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