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Guide

Private parking charges explained

A ticket from a private parking company — in a supermarket car park, a retail park, or private land — looks official but works completely differently from a council PCN. Knowing the difference is the first and most important step.

pcnappeal.uk explains UK PCN codes and appeal grounds for informational purposes. Procedural deadlines are time-critical — always check the date on your PCN. This site is not affiliated with TfL, London Councils, any local authority, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal or London Tribunals. For complex or contested appeals, consult Citizens Advice or a qualified solicitor.

It is an invoice, not a statutory fine

A private “parking charge notice” is a contractual claim for an alleged breach of the parking terms displayed on the signs. It is not a Penalty Charge Notice in the statutory sense, the company is not a public authority, and it has no power to fine you or add points. The charge rests entirely on the contract the signage claims you entered by parking.

That cuts both ways. There is no council to make representations to and no statutory tribunal — but the operator must follow its trade association’s code of practice and can only hold the registered keeper liable if it follows the law precisely.

Keeper liability and POFA 2012

Normally only the driver is liable on the contract. To pursue the registered keeper when the driver is not named, the operator must comply with Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 — which sets out strict timing and wording for the notice to keeper. If the operator gets this wrong, the keeper is not liable. This is one of the most common successful grounds.

How to appeal

Appeal to the operator first, in writing, setting out why the charge is wrong — for example unclear signage, a genuine error, or non-compliance with POFA 2012. If the operator rejects you, it must give you a reference to escalate to the independent appeals service: POPLA if the operator is a British Parking Association member, or the IAS if it is an International Parking Community member. This stage is free.

If it goes to court

If you do not pay and do not appeal successfully, the operator can bring a county court (small claims) action. You can defend it, and the operator must prove its case — including valid, prominent signage and, for keeper liability, POFA compliance. The Supreme Court has upheld charges around £100 where signage was clear, so the facts matter.

The private parking charge ladder

  • Parking charge notice issued

    Day 0

    A private operator issues a parking charge notice — a contractual invoice for alleged breach of the parking terms on private land. It is not a statutory PCN. A discount (often paying within 14 days) usually applies.

    If you miss it: You may lose any early-payment discount the operator offers.

    gov.uk — Challenging a ticketgov.uk· verified 16 June 2026

  • Appeal to the operator

    Usually 28 days

    Challenge the charge directly with the operator first, setting out why it is wrong. Keep it factual and keep copies. The operator must consider your appeal under its trade association's code of practice.

    If you miss it: If you do nothing, the operator may pursue the registered keeper under POFA 2012 keeper liability.

    gov.uk — Challenging a ticketgov.uk· verified 16 June 2026

  • Independent appeal: POPLA or IAS

    Usually 28 days from rejection

    If the operator rejects your appeal it must give you a code to escalate to the independent appeals service — POPLA if the operator is a British Parking Association member, or the IAS if it is an International Parking Community member. This stage is free.

    If you miss it: Missing the independent-appeal window usually means the charge stands.

    gov.uk — Challenging a ticketgov.uk· verified 16 June 2026

  • County court claim

    Final stage

    If you do not pay and do not appeal successfully, the operator may bring a county court (small claims) action to recover the charge. You can defend it; the operator must prove its case, including valid signage and POFA compliance for keeper liability.

    If you miss it: An undefended claim can lead to a county court judgment (CCJ) against you.

    Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4legislation.gov.uk· verified 16 June 2026

Next steps

See the grounds for a private charge, then draft your appeal letter(choose “private”). For a council ticket on a public road, see the council PCN guide instead. For advice on a contested case, contact Citizens Advice.