Guides · Private parking charges
A letter from a car park company at a retail park, hospital or station is a private parking charge. It is not a fine from the council or the police, but you should not ignore it. Here is what to check.
A demand from a private company that runs a car park, for breaking the terms on its signs. It is a claim under a contract, not a criminal fine. The company can pass it to a debt collector or take you to the county court, so it is worth dealing with in time.
If no ticket was left on the car, the company’s letter (the Notice to Keeper) should usually reach the registered keeper within 14 days of the parking, under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. If it arrived later, say so in your appeal. If a ticket was left on the car, different timings apply.
Most companies offer a lower amount, often 40% less, if you pay within 14 days, and give you 28 days to appeal. Appealing within the 14 days usually keeps the discount open while they decide.
The parking industry’s codes of practice expect a grace period when your paid time ends, usually at least 10 minutes. If you left a few minutes late, that can be a reason to appeal.
If you paid by app, machine or card, your receipt or bank statement is strong evidence. Cover any account details you don’t need to show.
Their reply should include a code for POPLA or the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), depending on which trade body the company belongs to. Either service looks at your case independently and for free. You usually have 28 days to use the code.
No. Ignored charges can grow with debt recovery fees and end up as a county court claim. Check the letter, then pay at the discount or challenge in time.
General information for England and Wales, not legal advice. Rules can differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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