A private parking notice alone does not create a CCJ. What happens next depends on the validity of the charge, the operator’s actions and how any court claim is handled.
In this article, we’ll help you understand:
- What a private parking ticket is.
- If it’s necessary to pay for a private parking ticket.
- How to challenge a private parking ticket.
- The effect of a private parking ticket on your credit score.
- The process of paying a private parking ticket.
We know that getting a private parking fine can make you feel upset. But don’t worry; you’re not alone. In fact, over 19,000 parking fines are issued each day in the UK.1
We’ve got plenty of useful tips and examples to guide you through the process.
Can a private parking ticket affect your credit score?
Keeping in mind that a credit score is a check of how well you manage your debt, you might think that a parking ticket would have no impact.
UK credit files can include registered county court judgments. Do not apply US reporting rules about civil judgments or tax liens to a UK parking dispute.
So getting a private parking ticket in the first place will not have any impact on your score. That’s not the end of the story, though; how you handle the private parking ticket could make a difference to your score.
If you don’t pay your private parking ticket, will it show up on your credit checks?
An operator may bring a county court claim in England and Wales. It cannot use bailiff powers simply because it sent a parking demand: judgment and the appropriate enforcement authority are needed first.
A registered CCJ can affect your credit record. Respond to court papers promptly; payment within one month, a successful set-aside or another applicable removal rule can change what remains recorded.
Appeal Process Steps
As mentioned above, ignoring your parking ticket might lead to some unwanted consequences. So, if you think the ticket wasn’t fair, it’s a good idea to try appealing it.
The table below explains the steps you should take to appeal your parking ticket. If you want to learn more, don’t forget to read our complete guide.
How long will a CCJ from not paying a private parking ticket impact your credit score?
In England and Wales, a judgment paid in full within one month can normally be removed from the register. Payment later can mark it satisfied, but it usually remains for six years from judgment.
Paying your CCJ off after the first month means you can apply for a certificate of satisfaction, and while the CCJ will still appear on your file it will be noted as ‘satisfied’.
You will need to cover the cost of the certificate to show you have paid the debt – but there are reduced fees if you are on a low income.
Can you ignore a private parking fine?
Do not ignore a letter before claim or court papers. A disputed or unpaid charge may be pursued, but added collection fees are not automatically lawful or recoverable.
A PCN requires that you either pay it or appeal it.
What if you disagree with the private parking ticket?
You have the right to appeal both private and council-issued parking tickets. The parking charge notice should give you a number to call, a website you can visit, or a postal address to which you can send your appeal.
Appeal within the operator’s stated deadline, commonly 28 days, and keep proof of submission. Use evidence relevant to the actual dispute rather than a generic explanation.
Members’ codes normally require a timely appeal to be considered and recovery activity paused under the applicable rules. Check the acknowledgment, outcome and any discount or independent-appeal deadline.
They will send a letter or an email to let you know the outcome of the appeal and what action you can take.
Note: if the private parking company is not part of any parking association, they may not volunteer the information to escalate the appeal, so you should ask them for clarification.
How can private parking tickets be enforced?
If you do not pay your parking ticket or do not appeal, there are several actions the private parking company can take, and some of them might impact your credit.
- They may continue to ask for the money
- They may use an ordinary debt collector. Collection letters do not confer bailiff powers, and added fees must have a lawful basis.
- They may take you to county court to recover the fine
What if you can’t afford to pay your private parking ticket?
If you cannot afford to pay your parking ticket, get in touch with the issuing company and explain your situation.
A private parking charge is different from a police FPN or court fine. If payment is unaffordable, ask the operator about an arrangement and obtain free debt advice; do not assume a request suspends a deadline.
How can you pay for your private parking ticket?
You can find all of the details and instructions you need to pay your parking charge notice within the letter or the notice that was placed on your windshield.
For extra information on private parking ticket companies and how to pay or appeal, check here: Private Parking Fines.
Trade-association rules generally require at least a 40% prompt-payment discount for the applicable period, usually 14 days. Check the notice. Paying normally settles the demand and closes the ordinary appeal route.
If you want to challenge, check the payment and appeal terms first. Do not pay and assume an ordinary appeal will remain available.
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