How to Appeal a Smart Parking Parking Ticket

Smart Parking specialises in ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology and operates at retail parks, commercial sites, and leisure venues across the UK. As an IPC member, appeals escalate to IAS (Independent Appeals Service) if 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: Smart Parking Ltd, North Gate House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG

ANPR Technology Specialist

Smart Parking relies heavily on ANPR cameras. While this technology is generally reliable, it can make mistakes. Common issues include misread registrations, failed exit captures, and "double-dipping." If you believe there was a camera error, this is a strong ground for appeal.

Where Smart Parking Operates

Smart Parking operates ANPR-enforced car parks at:

Retail Parks
Supermarkets
Leisure Centres
Business Sites
Train Stations

How Smart Parking ANPR Systems Work

Entry Capture

Camera reads your number plate when you enter and records the timestamp

Duration Tracking

System monitors your stay against the posted time limit

Exit Capture

Camera captures exit time - if missed, system assumes you're still there (false overstay)

PCN Issued

If overstay detected (or camera error suggests overstay), charge notice sent to keeper

Common ANPR Errors to Check

Missed Exit Capture

Camera fails to capture your exit, so system thinks you're still parked. Request ANPR images showing entry but no exit - this proves camera failure.

Character Misread

Similar characters confused: 0/O, 1/I, 8/B, 5/S, etc. If your registration was misread, request ANPR images to verify.

Double Capture

Vehicle captured entering/exiting multiple times (e.g., driving past entrance), creating false duration records.

Wrong Vehicle

Camera captured a different vehicle with similar registration. Request images and compare to your actual vehicle.

Common Reasons for Smart Parking Charges

Most Common
Exceeding Time Limit
Genuine or false overstay detected by ANPR
Common
Registration Not Entered
Failed to register vehicle in parking app
Common
Return Visit Within Period
Returning within prohibited period (e.g., no return within 2 hours)
Less Common
No Payment Made
At paid car parks where payment wasn't registered

How to Appeal a Smart Parking Ticket

1

Check the 14-Day Rule

Under PoFA 2012, the Notice to Keeper must arrive within 14 days of the alleged contravention. If late, keeper liability doesn't apply. Count from day after the parking event to day of arrival.

2

Request ANPR Evidence

Ask Smart Parking for the ANPR images showing your entry and exit. If they can't provide clear exit images, this supports a camera failure argument. Check timestamps and registration accuracy.

3

Submit Your Appeal

Email appeals@smartparking.com within 28 days. Include:

  • PCN reference number
  • Vehicle registration
  • Clear grounds (especially if ANPR error suspected)
  • Evidence: receipts showing actual visit time, photos, etc.
4

Await Response

Smart Parking typically responds within 21-28 days. The charge is frozen while your appeal is pending. Do not pay during this time.

5

Escalate to IAS if Rejected

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

Successful Appeal Grounds for Smart Parking

High Success
Late Notice to Keeper
NTK received more than 14 days after the alleged contravention - strongest ground under PoFA 2012
High Success
ANPR Error
Camera misread registration, wrong vehicle, or failed to capture exit causing false overstay
High Success
Signage Issues
Signs not clearly visible, terms unclear, or ANPR camera operation not adequately disclosed
High Success
Double Entry/Exit
ANPR captured multiple entries/exits incorrectly, creating false overstay record
Medium
No Grace Period
Charged immediately upon time expiry without consideration period per IPC Code
Medium
Payment System Issues
App registration failed, payment machine broken, or system didn't link payment to vehicle

Tips for Appealing Smart Parking Tickets

  • Request ANPR images - Always request the camera evidence. Blurry images, wrong vehicle, or missing exit shots strengthen your appeal.
  • Keep receipts - Shop receipts with timestamps can prove your actual stay duration contradicts ANPR records.
  • Check signage claims - Photos of inadequate or missing signage about ANPR operation support your case.
  • Cite IPC Code - Reference the IPC Code of Practice requirements for ANPR accuracy and signage.
  • Always escalate to IAS - It's free and IAS decisions are binding on Smart Parking.

Ready to appeal your Smart Parking ticket?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I appeal a Smart Parking ticket?
Submit your appeal via email to appeals@smartparking.com, through their website, or by post within 28 days. Include your PCN reference, vehicle registration, grounds for appeal, and evidence. If rejected, escalate to IAS (Independent Appeals Service) for free.
How does Smart Parking ANPR work?
Smart Parking 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 registration being recorded incorrectly.
Can ANPR cameras make mistakes?
Yes, ANPR systems are not infallible. Common errors include: misreading similar characters (0/O, 1/I, 8/B), failing to capture exit (causing false overstay), capturing the wrong vehicle, or "double-dipping" where a single visit is recorded as multiple. These are all valid appeal grounds.
I registered my car but still got a ticket - why?
Registration systems can fail for various reasons: typo when entering registration, app/system glitch, registration not syncing with ANPR database, or timing issues. Keep screenshots of your registration confirmation as evidence for appeal.
Does Smart Parking pursue court claims?
Yes, Smart Parking does pursue debt recovery and court claims for unpaid charges. However, they must follow due process and if you have valid grounds and have exhausted IAS appeals, your chances of success in defending any claim are improved.