You’ve now got a one in three chance of having a private parking charge cancelled – here’s how to appeal a fine
MILLIONS of UK drivers have dodged parking fines they have received in the post after formally appealing them.
A number of private parking firms are now using digital systems, rather than tickets stuck to the windscreen, to fine drivers who break time restrictions.
Recent figures reveal parking companies requested over three million drivers' details from the DVLA last year compared to 2015/16.
One company alone requested more than 158,000 drivers details this March.
But over a third of Brits who challenged their fines across the UK had them cancelled.
More than 40 per cent of drivers who challenged their parking charges in 2017/18 with the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) had their fine dropped, while 25 per cent of appeals to the Independent Advice Service (IAS) were successful.
How do I beat private parking charges?
- If you get a ticket, speak to the parking company straight away and ask them to hold fire on charges while you gather some evidence. Put this in writing or put them on notice through Resolver. Photograph your receipts and tickets too, just in case the originals go missing.
- Explain the circumstances that lead to the charge, keep a record of all your comments and ask them to respond in writing. Some parking firms may be intimidating to deal with. This is to get you to pay up.
- Photograph the car park (make sure your licence plate is visible), notices, ground markings and payment machines. Parking information should be clearly placed and not hidden. Lots of people have successfully appealed fees after bushes or trees swallowed up the warning signs.
- Do a bit of research online. Wonky payment machines, dodgy attendants and firms and other problems are often discussed on online forums. Take a screenshot or links that prove there’s a problem with that parking area or firm.
- Some people get caught out by a sudden, unannounced change of rules. If you’ve been regularly parking and suddenly been ticketed, ask for proof as to how people have been notified about this new policy.
- Talk to the landowner. Many supermarket managers can cancel your ticket so stay calm and explain what’s gone on.
- Many parking companies have free periods. If these aren’t clearly explained – or you’ve been charged while still in one, you have the right to take it further.
- If you want to make a complaint about a private parking company you could use a free service like Resolver. The system allows you to construct a complaint, keep track of any communication, and escalate your case to
Surprisingly, London-based Spring Parking lost 93 per cent of the 376 cases which were referred to POPLA in 2017/18 - the most of any company.
When challenging a fine, get in touch with the parking firm immediately to request some time to gather evidence such as photos, receipts and tickets.
Many drivers have successfully appealed a ticket by documenting the circumstances that lead to a charge and formally submitting them by letter or email.
Some Brits even had their charges dropped after supplying photographic evidence of parking signs which may have been hidden by overgrown trees or bushes.
If you've been fined in your regular car park, double check the terms and conditions of entry as they may have changed without you being properly notified.
And if this is the case, you have the right to challenge the private firm.
more parking rules and fines
Finally check if the private company is a member of one of the two parking associations - the British Parking Association or the International Parking Community.
If they aren't a member, they will not be able to get your details from the DVLA to send out the fine.
Drivers who want to take a complaint further can appeal to each association by using Resolver, a free online service which allows you to construct a formal appeal.