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Parking Ticket Appeals

Got a parking ticket? Don't just pay it.

#At a Glance
Difficulty ⭐ Easy–Medium
Time to DIY 30 minutes–1 hour
Potential Saving £40–£100+
Time Limit 28 days (council) / varies (private)
Escalation TPT / POPLA / Traffic Tribunal

#What Is It?

There are two types of parking tickets:

  1. Council/Local Authority tickets (PCNs – Penalty Charge Notices)
  2. Private parking tickets (often called PCNs but actually invoices)

They have different rules, appeal routes, and enforceability.

#Council Parking Tickets (Official PCNs)

#Your Appeal Rights

Stage Deadline To
Informal challenge 14 days Council
Formal representation 28 days Council
Appeal 28 days after rejection Traffic Penalty Tribunal

#Grounds for Appeal

✅ Strong grounds:

  • Signs unclear or missing – you couldn't reasonably know the restriction
  • Lines faded or unclear – yellow lines not visible
  • Exemption applied – loading, disabled badge, resident permit
  • PCN defective – wrong vehicle details, wrong location
  • Machine broken – parking meter not working
  • Grace period not given – council must allow 10-minute grace period
  • Emergency – genuine emergency required you to stop

❌ Weak grounds:

  • "I was only gone a minute"
  • "I didn't see the sign" (if signs were there)
  • "Everyone parks there"

#Private Parking Tickets

#Important: These Are NOT Fines

Private parking tickets are invoices, not fines. They're contractual claims, not criminal matters. The company must take you to court to enforce them.

#Should You Pay?

Consider not paying if:

  • Signage was unclear or hidden
  • You had a valid permit but it fell off the dashboard
  • The charge is disproportionate to the "loss" (e.g., £100 for 10 minutes over)
  • You weren't the driver and won't identify who was
  • The company isn't a member of IPC or BPA (harder to enforce)

However: Since the Supreme Court ruling in ParkingEye v Beavis (2015), private parking charges of around £100 have been held enforceable if signage was clear.

#Appeal Process (POPLA or IAS)

Most private operators are members of:

  • BPA (British Parking Association) → Appeals to POPLA
  • IPC (International Parking Community) → Appeals to IAS
Stage What Happens
Challenge to operator Write within 28 days
POPLA/IAS appeal If rejected, appeal to independent body
Decision Binding on operator, not on you

#Step-by-Step: Council Ticket Appeal

#Step 1: Check the PCN

  • Correct vehicle registration?
  • Correct location?
  • Correct date and time?
  • Correct contravention code?

#Step 2: Gather Evidence

  • Photos of signage (or lack of)
  • Photos of road markings
  • Witness statements
  • Permit or exemption proof
  • Evidence of machine fault

#Step 3: Make Informal Challenge (14 days)

  • Write to council explaining your case
  • Include all evidence
  • PCN is "on hold" while they consider

#Step 4: Formal Representation (if rejected)

  • You have 28 days from rejection
  • More formal statement of your case
  • Council must issue a "Notice of Rejection" to proceed

#Step 5: Appeal to Traffic Penalty Tribunal (if rejected)

  • Free to appeal
  • Usually decided on papers (no hearing)
  • Independent and fair – many appeals succeed

#Step-by-Step: Private Ticket Appeal

#Step 1: Don't Ignore It Completely

Private companies can pursue debts through court. Decide whether to challenge or pay.

#Step 2: Challenge Within 28 Days

Write to the operator:

  • Explain why you're challenging
  • Don't admit liability unnecessarily
  • Request evidence of their loss

#Step 3: Appeal to POPLA/IAS

If rejected:

  • Submit appeal with evidence
  • Decision is binding on the operator
  • If you win, they can't pursue further

#Step 4: If You Lose and Don't Pay

  • They may send debt collectors (ignore – they have no special powers)
  • They may eventually take court action (but many don't)
  • If they do sue, you can defend in court

#Common Questions

Q: Will a private parking ticket affect my credit score?

Not unless it goes to court and you get a CCJ. Debt collectors can't affect your credit for disputed debts.

Q: They've threatened bailiffs – should I be worried?

Bailiffs can only be used for court-ordered debts (after a CCJ). Ignore empty threats.

Q: I got a ticket on private land – do I have to say who was driving?

No. Unlike council tickets, there's no legal requirement to identify the driver for private tickets (though they can then pursue the registered keeper).

Q: The council ticket has doubled – what now?

You can still appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal even at the increased rate. If you win, you pay nothing.