How to Appeal a ParkingEye Parking Ticket

ParkingEye is the UK's largest private parking enforcement company, operating ANPR cameras at Aldi, Lidl, NHS hospitals, and retail parks nationwide. As a BPA member, appeals escalate to POPLA if rejected. Around 56% of private parking appeals succeed.

Quick Reference

Trade Body
BPA (British Parking Association)
Appeals Service
POPLA
Appeal Deadline
28 days
Typical Charge
£100 (£60 if early)
Address: ParkingEye Ltd, Athena House, Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6RL

Where ParkingEye Operates

ParkingEye manages parking enforcement at thousands of UK locations:

Aldi & Lidl
NHS Hospitals
Retail Parks
Restaurants
Train Stations

Aldi & Lidl Car Parks

ParkingEye enforces time limits at most Aldi and Lidl stores. Key things to know:

  • Time limits vary - typically 60-90 minutes, check signage at your specific store
  • No return periods - some sites prohibit returning within 2-4 hours
  • Keep your receipt - timestamps prove your actual shopping time
  • Aldi/Lidl can help - some stores will contact ParkingEye on behalf of genuine customers

Common Reasons for ParkingEye Charges

Most Common
Overstaying Time Limit
Exceeding posted limit (e.g., 90 mins at Aldi/Lidl)
Common
No Valid Payment
Failed to pay at machine or register via app
Common
Return Visit Violation
Returning within prohibited no-return period
Less Common
Parking Outside Bay
Vehicle not fully within marked parking space

How to Appeal a ParkingEye Ticket

1

Check the 14-Day Rule

Under PoFA 2012 Schedule 4, if you weren't the driver, the Notice to Keeper must arrive within 14 days of the alleged contravention. Count from the day after the parking event to when you received the NTK. If late, keeper liability doesn't transfer - this is your strongest ground.

2

Gather Your Evidence

Before submitting, collect supporting evidence:

  • Photos of signage (or lack of clear signage)
  • Shopping receipts with timestamps
  • Screenshots if payment app failed
  • Any photos of the car park from your visit
3

Submit Your Appeal

Email or post your appeal to ParkingEye within 28 days. Include:

  • PCN reference number (found at top of notice)
  • Vehicle registration
  • Clear, specific grounds for appeal
  • All supporting evidence
4

Wait for Response (28-35 days)

ParkingEye typically responds within 28-35 days. The charge is frozen during this time. Do not pay while your appeal is pending.

5

Escalate to POPLA if Rejected

If rejected, ParkingEye must provide a POPLA appeal code. Submit your free appeal at popla.co.uk within 28 days. POPLA's decision is binding on ParkingEye (but not on you).

Successful Appeal Grounds for ParkingEye

High Success
Late Notice to Keeper
NTK received more than 14 days after the alleged contravention - strongest ground under PoFA 2012 Schedule 4
High Success
Inadequate Signage
Signs not visible, too small, or obscured. BPA Code requires 450x450mm minimum and clear visibility at entrance
High Success
No Grace Period
Charged within 10 minutes of time expiry. BPA Code of Practice requires reasonable consideration periods
High Success
ANPR Camera Error
Camera misread registration, failed to capture exit, or recorded incorrect timestamps
Medium
NHS/Hospital Exception
Medical appointments running late, emergency treatment, or NHS car park guidelines not followed
Medium
Mitigating Circumstances
Genuine emergency, vehicle breakdown, or unforeseen circumstances beyond your control
Situational
Legitimate Customer
Can prove you were a genuine customer with receipts showing visit within time limit

NHS Hospital Car Parks

ParkingEye operates at many NHS hospitals. Special considerations apply:

  • Appointments overrunning - medical appointments often run late. Keep appointment letter and any evidence of wait times
  • Emergency situations - if attending A&E or dealing with medical emergency, this is strong mitigation
  • Contact the hospital - the hospital's PALS (Patient Advice) service can sometimes intervene
  • NHS guidance - reference NHS guidelines on fair parking for patients and visitors

Tips for a Successful ParkingEye Appeal

  • Be factual and concise - ParkingEye processes thousands of appeals. Clear, well-referenced letters citing specific legislation work best.
  • Cite legislation - Reference PoFA 2012 Schedule 4, BPA Code of Practice, and Single Code of Practice (2025).
  • Include all evidence - Photos of signage, shopping receipts with timestamps, appointment letters, etc.
  • Don't pay while appealing - Payment typically waives your appeal rights. The charge is frozen during appeals.
  • Always escalate to POPLA - It's free and POPLA decisions are binding on ParkingEye.
  • Meet all deadlines - 28 days to appeal to ParkingEye, then 28 days to escalate to POPLA.

Ready to appeal your ParkingEye ticket?

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

Start Your Appeal

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a ParkingEye appeal take?
ParkingEye typically responds to appeals within 28-35 days. If you escalate to POPLA, add another 4-6 weeks for their decision. The charge is frozen during both appeal stages.
Can ParkingEye take me to court?
Yes, ParkingEye does pursue county court claims for unpaid charges. They are one of the more active operators in terms of legal action. However, many claims are successfully defended or settled, especially where valid grounds exist. Always respond to any Letter Before Claim within the deadline.
What if I was a genuine customer at Aldi/Lidl?
Being a genuine customer doesn't automatically cancel a charge for overstaying. However, if you can prove with receipts that your shopping took longer than expected due to long queues or other issues, mention this alongside procedural grounds (14-day rule, signage). Pure overstaying without other grounds is harder to win.
What is the Beavis case and does it still apply?
ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis (2015) was a Supreme Court case that ruled parking charges can be enforceable if they are not excessive and motorists had clear notice. While the £85 charge in that case was upheld, the ruling also established that charges must be proportionate. Under the Single Code of Practice (2025), charges are now capped at £100 (£60 if paid within 14 days).
What is the typical ParkingEye charge in 2026?
Under the Single Code of Practice (February 2025), parking charges are capped at £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. ParkingEye charges typically match these caps. Charges exceeding these amounts may be grounds for appeal.
How does ParkingEye ANPR work?
ParkingEye uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to capture your registration on entry and exit. The system calculates your stay duration and issues charges if you exceed the time limit. Errors can occur due to camera misreads, failed exit captures, or similar-looking characters being confused.