How to Appeal a Civil Enforcement Parking Ticket

Civil Enforcement is a member of the International Parking Community (IPC), operating at various private car parks across the UK. As an IPC member, appeals escalate to IAS (Independent Appeals Service) if your initial appeal is rejected.

Quick Reference

Trade Body
IPC (International Parking Community)
Appeals Service
IAS (Independent Appeals Service)
Appeal Deadline
28 days
Typical Charge
£100 (£60 if early)
Address: Civil Enforcement Ltd, Lakeside House, Quarry Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8NY

IPC Member - Appeals to IAS

Civil Enforcement is an IPC member, not BPA. Your appeals escalate to IAS (Independent Appeals Service) at theias.org, not POPLA. The process is free and IAS decisions are binding on the operator.

Where Civil Enforcement Operates

Civil Enforcement manages parking at various private locations including:

Retail Stores
Car Parks
Industrial Sites
Medical Centres
Leisure Venues

Common Reasons for Civil Enforcement Charges

Most Common
Exceeding Time Limit
Staying beyond the posted maximum parking duration
Common
No Payment Made
Failed to pay at machine or register via app/phone
Common
Parking in Restricted Area
Parking in permit-only, disabled, or staff spaces
Less Common
Not Parked Within Bay
Vehicle not fully contained within marked lines

How to Appeal a Civil Enforcement Ticket

1

Check the 14-Day Rule First

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 requires operators to send the Notice to Keeper within 14 days of the alleged contravention. Count from the day after the parking event to when you received the NTK. If it's late, this is your strongest ground.

2

Gather Evidence

Collect supporting documentation:

  • Photos of signage at the location
  • Receipts proving legitimate customer status
  • Screenshots of payment app errors
  • Photos of broken payment machines
3

Submit Your Appeal

Email appeals@civilenforcement.uk or write to their address within 28 days. Include your PCN reference, vehicle registration, and clear grounds. Be professional and cite specific legislation.

4

Wait for Response

Civil Enforcement typically responds within 21-28 days. The charge is frozen while your appeal is being considered. Do not pay during this time.

5

Escalate to IAS if Rejected

If rejected, Civil Enforcement must provide an IAS appeal code. Submit your free appeal at theias.org within 28 days. IAS decisions are binding on Civil Enforcement.

Successful Appeal Grounds

High Success
Late Notice to Keeper
NTK received more than 14 days after the alleged parking event - strongest ground under PoFA 2012
High Success
Signage Issues
Signs not prominent at entrance, terms unclear, or missing required information per IPC Code
High Success
No Grace Period
Charged within 10 minutes of time expiry - IPC Code requires consideration periods
Medium
Genuine Customer
Can prove you were a legitimate customer of the establishment during the time parked
Medium
Payment System Failure
Machine not working, app issues, or no contactless option when advertised
Situational
Blue Badge Holder
Disability exemption not properly applied or badge not visible/expired but valid claim

The 14-Day Rule Explained

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (Schedule 4) is crucial for most appeals:

  • When it applies: When you receive a Notice to Keeper (NTK) but weren't the driver
  • How to calculate: Count from day after contravention to date NTK arrived. If more than 14 days, keeper liability fails.
  • Effect: If late, the operator cannot hold you (the keeper) liable - they must pursue the driver directly
  • Tip: Keep the envelope your NTK arrived in - the postmark can prove when it was sent

Tips for a Successful Appeal

  • Be specific and factual - Avoid emotional arguments. Focus on the legal and procedural issues.
  • Reference legislation - Cite PoFA 2012 Schedule 4, IPC Code of Practice, and Single Code of Practice 2025.
  • Keep all correspondence - Save emails, letters, and note dates received.
  • Don't pay while appealing - Payment typically constitutes acceptance of the charge.
  • Always escalate to IAS - It's free and decisions are binding on the operator.

Ready to appeal your Civil Enforcement ticket?

Generate a professional appeal letter citing UK parking law and IPC Code of Practice requirements.

Start Your Appeal

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I appeal a Civil Enforcement parking ticket?
Submit your appeal in writing to appeals@civilenforcement.uk or by post within 28 days of the Notice to Keeper. Include your PCN reference, vehicle registration, clear grounds for appeal, and any supporting evidence. If rejected, escalate to IAS for free.
What is the IAS (Independent Appeals Service)?
IAS is the independent appeals body for IPC members like Civil Enforcement. It's free to use and their decisions are binding on the parking operator (but not on you). You have 28 days from Civil Enforcement's rejection to submit an IAS appeal at theias.org.
Does Civil Enforcement pursue court claims?
Yes, Civil Enforcement does pursue debt recovery and county court claims for unpaid charges. However, if you have valid grounds and have used the appeals process, many cases are dropped. Always keep records of your appeals and correspondence.
I received multiple tickets on the same day - can I appeal?
Yes, multiple tickets on the same day for the same alleged contravention may be grounds for appeal. The IPC Code discourages "double-dipping." Each ticket should relate to a distinct parking event. Appeal citing the circumstances.
What happens if I ignore the parking ticket?
Ignoring the ticket isn't recommended. Civil Enforcement will send escalating letters and may use debt collection agencies or pursue county court claims. It's better to appeal within 28 days if you have valid grounds.