Frequently Asked Questions

Private parking charges are invoices, not fines. While they can eventually lead to debt collection or court action, many can be successfully appealed if the parking company hasn't followed proper procedures. The key is to respond promptly and appeal on valid grounds. Around 56% of private parking appeals are successful.

Council Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued by local authorities with statutory powers. They are legally enforceable fines. Private parking charges are contractual invoices issued by private companies. They must follow different rules (Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and industry Codes of Practice) and have independent appeals services (POPLA or IAS).

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA) sets out rules that private parking companies must follow in England and Wales. Most importantly, Schedule 4 requires them to send a Notice to Keeper within 14 days of the alleged contravention. If they miss this deadline, they cannot pursue the registered keeper for payment - they can only pursue the driver.

Under PoFA 2012, if you were not the driver (or the parking company cannot identify the driver), they must send a Notice to Keeper within 14 days of the parking event. Count from the day after the alleged contravention to the day you received the letter (usually the postmark date minus 2 working days). If it's more than 14 days, the keeper liability is not engaged.

POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) handles appeals for parking companies that are members of the British Parking Association (BPA). IAS (Independent Appeals Service) handles appeals for parking companies that are members of the International Parking Community (IPC). These services are free for motorists and their decisions are binding on the parking company (but not on you).

If the parking company rejects your initial appeal, they must issue a 'Notice of Rejection' which includes a code allowing you to appeal to POPLA or IAS (depending on which trade body they belong to). You typically have 28 days from the rejection to submit this secondary appeal. The independent appeals service's decision is binding on the parking company.

Private parking charges don't appear directly on your credit file. However, if the parking company takes you to court and obtains a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you, that will appear on your credit record for 6 years. To avoid this, either pay the charge, appeal it properly, or defend any court claim.

Yes, private parking companies can pursue civil claims through the County Court. However, many cases settle or are won by motorists. If you receive a Letter Before Claim or court papers, you should respond and may want to seek legal advice. Our appeal letters reference legal grounds that should be effective both with the parking company and in court if needed.

Common successful appeal grounds include: inadequate signage (signs must be 450x450mm minimum), late Notice to Keeper (after 14 days), no grace period given (BPA Code requires 10 minutes), payment machine broken, valid ticket displayed, mitigating circumstances (emergency, breakdown), not the driver (if you can name them), and disproportionate charges.

Our system generates personalised appeal letters based on the information you provide about your ticket and circumstances. Each letter cites relevant UK parking law (Protection of Freedoms Act 2012), industry codes of practice (BPA/IPC), and legal precedents. The letter is tailored to your specific grounds for appeal. You should always review the letter before sending to ensure accuracy.

No. This service helps you draft an appeal letter based on UK parking law and codes of practice, but it is not legal advice. We are not solicitors. You are responsible for reviewing the letter and deciding whether to use it. If you are facing court action or have complex circumstances, you may want to seek independent legal advice.

If you were the driver, keeper liability rules don't apply to you - you're potentially liable anyway. However, you can still appeal on other grounds (signage, grace period, circumstances, etc.). The 14-day rule specifically protects registered keepers who weren't driving; it doesn't help if you were actually the driver.

Most parking companies give you 28 days from the date of the Notice to Keeper to appeal. Check your specific letter for the deadline. If paying the reduced amount is offered (typically £60 instead of £100), that discount period is usually 14 days. Appealing pauses the clock while your appeal is being considered.

If you're within the appeal deadline stated on your most recent letter, yes. If you've ignored previous correspondence and are now receiving final demands or debt collection letters, you may still be able to respond, but your options may be more limited. It's always better to appeal promptly.

Evidence strengthens your appeal, but it's not always required. Photos of inadequate signage, receipts showing your visit, or documentation of machine faults are helpful. However, many appeals succeed based on procedural arguments (like the 14-day rule) that don't require physical evidence.