How to appeal a private parking charge in England and Wales

Updated 15 October 2026

Appealing a private parking charge follows a set order. The operator considers the first appeal. If it rejects it, an independent service may consider a second appeal, depending on which trade association the operator belongs to.

1. Check what kind of notice it is

Make sure the notice is from a private company, not a council or Transport for London. Council penalty charge notices follow a different legal process, and NoticeClear does not handle them.

Note the operator, the date of the parking event, the date the notice was issued or posted, and whether it was put on the car or sent to the registered keeper.

2. Note the deadlines

The notice sets the dates. Commonly there is a reduced amount for paying within 14 days and a 28-day window to appeal to the operator. Using NoticeClear does not pause a payment or appeal deadline. Check the dates and instructions on your notice.

3. Gather evidence

Keep the notice and envelope. Photograph the signs at the entrance and where you parked, the bay markings and the car's position. Keep any ticket, permit, app receipt or bank record that shows payment or permission.

4. Appeal to the operator

Use the appeal route printed on the notice. Keep to facts you can show, and keep a copy of what you send and proof of sending. The registered keeper does not have to name the driver.

5. If the operator rejects the appeal

The rejection letter should name the independent appeal service: POPLA for British Parking Association members, or the Independent Appeals Service for International Parking Community members. POPLA appeals are normally made within 28 days of the rejection, using the verification code. Standard IAS appeals are normally made within 21 days. Neither service charges the motorist for a standard appeal.

This guide is general information about private parking charges in England and Wales. It is not legal advice. The dates and wording on your own notice control, and every point is fact-dependent.

Common questions

Is a private parking charge a fine?

No. It is a demand from a private company, recoverable only through the civil courts. A disputed charge can be challenged.

Do I have to name the driver?

No. The registered keeper does not have to name the driver. Under Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Schedule 4 the operator may be able to pursue the keeper if its notices meet the conditions in the Schedule.

Does appealing stop the clock?

Not by itself. Check the notice and any rejection letter for the dates that apply, including when any reduced amount ends.