How to Appeal a Private Parking Charge

Private Parking Charges (PPCs) or a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) is a bill issued by a private company like ParkingEye, Euro Car Parks, Horizon, NCP, UKPC, VCS, Excel, Smart Parking and APCOA. Although sometimes labelled as a 'PCN' by theses companies, remember if it was sent to you by a private company - it's always a Parking Charge Notice - and not a Penalty Charge Notice (it's easy to get confused between Penalty/Parking). Private companies cannot issue fines - only the Council or TfL can do that. Private companies like APCOA issue invoices created under contract law, which means the parking company must prove a valid contract existed, that you agreed to it, and that the terms were clear and enforceable. Many PPCs fail this test, which is why many appeals succeed.

This guide helps you to understand Private Parking Charge, and how to appeal. It covers operator-specific issues, ANPR errors, POPLA and IAS routes, landowner authority, grace periods and evidence gathering.

Step 1 — Identify Whether the Operator Is BPA or IPC

This determines your appeal route.  
BPA operators (ParkingEye, Euro Car Parks, Horizon, APCOA, NCP) use POPLA.  
IPC operators (UKCPM, VCS, Excel, Smart Parking) use IAS.  
POPLA is more transparent; IAS is stricter. Knowing your route is important because your evidence strategy differs.

Step 2 — Check the Deadlines

Private parking deadlines differ from Council PCNs:  
• 14 days — discounted payment (optional) 
• 28 days — time to submit your initial appeal 
Appealing does not freeze the discount, but the discount should not influence your decision. If the charge is unfair, appeal.

Step 3 — Check for Common PPC Errors (Many Charges Are Invalid)

This is where many PPCs fail. Look for:
1. Unclear or hidden signage: Signs must be prominent and clear; otherwise, no contract was formed.
2. Poor lighting or small-print terms: If you could not reasonably read the terms, they are not enforceable.
3. ANPR timing errors: Includes incorrect timestamps, missed exits (“double dipping”), and unsynchronised cameras.
4. Grace period not honoured: BPA Code requires at least 10 minutes after paid time expires. Failure invalidates the charge.
5. Payment machine faults: If the machine was out of service or the app malfunctioned, the operator cannot enforce the charge.
6. Incorrect vehicle registration: A small VRM error is not a valid reason to pursue £100.
7. No landowner authority: Operators must have written permission from the landowner. Many cannot produce this.
8. Conflicting or recently changed signs: If terms changed recently, they may not apply to your visit.
9. Disability or medical delays: Operators must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.

If any of these apply, your appeal is strong.

Step 4 — Gather Strong Evidence

Collect robust evidence:
Photos: All signs, the entrance, tariff boards, lighting conditions, obstructed or hidden signage.
Screenshots: Payment app failures, unsuccessful transaction attempts.
Documents: Receipts of the visit, medical notes if relevant.
Videos: Dashcam or walkthrough showing signage layout and visibility.
ANPR comparison: Time your entry and exit on video to show inconsistencies.

Strong evidence often overturns pre-written operator responses.

Step 5 — Submit the Initial Appeal to the Parking Company

Submit your appeal via the operator’s online portal. Include:
• PCN number and location  
• Brief, factual summary  
• Why the charge is incorrect  
• Evidence summary  
• Reference to signage, grace periods, ANPR errors, or landowner authority  
Do not admit liability. For IPC operators, expect a likely rejection—this is normal.

Step 6 — POPLA or IAS Appeal

If rejected, escalate to:
POPLA (for BPA operators): Independent, fairer, higher success rate. POPLA often cancels charges for unclear signage, grace period issues, landowner authority failures, and insufficient ANPR evidence.
IAS (for IPC operators): Stricter, but still winnable. Strong evidence is crucial.

Step 7 — Debt Collectors 

Debt Recovery Plus, Zenith, CST Law and similar firms have no legal power. They cannot enforce payment, clamp your car, or add meaningful fees. Only the operator can take court action.

Step 8 — County Court Claims (Rare, but Possible)

If you receive an official County Court Business Centre claim form:
• You can defend it  
• Many operators discontinue when a proper defence is filed  
• Judges frequently dismiss claims where signage was unclear, grace periods were not honoured, or the operator cannot prove landowner authority  
Court is not automatic defeat; many consumers win.

Related Guides

PCN vs Parking Charge Notice
How to appeal TfL PCN
How to appeal a Council PCN