A contractual parking charge is a private claim, usually based on the terms displayed at the site. Read the notice and evidence before deciding whether to pay or challenge.
In this article, we’ll provide simple and useful information on:
- What a Parking Charge Notice is.
- If you are required to pay a Parking Charge Notice.
- How to appeal a Contractual Parking Charge Notice.
- Tips to avoid getting a Contractual Parking Charge Notice.
We understand getting a private parking fine can be very frustrating. But don’t worry; you’re not alone. Over 19,000 parking fines are issued each day in the UK.1
We’re here to help you learn more about Contractual Parking Charge Notices and what you can do about them. Let’s get started!
Not sure what to write in your parking appeal?
You don’t need to start with a blank page.
We’ve created a free parking ticket appeal letter template that gives you a clear structure to follow.
Free editable parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
What is a Contractual Parking Charge Notice?
A Contractual Parking Charge Notice is just another name for a Parking Charge Notice2. The word “Contractual” is included because the motorist agrees to a contract when entering and using a private car park. This should be stated on car park signage.
For example, by using a private car park, such as Premier Park, you agree to pay (the correct amount) for your stay. So if you don’t pay or overstay the length of time you paid to park, you have broken the terms and conditions of the contract.
The word “contractual” describes the alleged legal basis. It does not make the charge automatically valid or prove an intention to intimidate.
Contractual Parking Charge Notice G24
G24 is one car park management company that is well known to send out Contractual Parking Charge Notices to drivers. They are one of the biggest car park management companies, overseeing the operations of scores of car parks the length and breadth of the UK.
“I have received a contractual parking notice from G24. I have not responded to it. I have been told by a friend that I should just ignore it and throw the letters in the bin because they are just worthless pieces of paper. Is this good advice?”
- FAKENAME1 (Legal Beagles Forum)
“I’ve received a parking charge notice today from G24 saying I was parked on private property on 1st August 2020. They state ‘By entering and parking the vehicle on our client’s private property, the driver agreed with G24 limited to be bound by the terms and conditions of parking shown. The terms and conditions were clearly displayed at the entrance to and in prominent places within the car park.[…]”
- Guest (Legal Beagles Forum)
G24 will usually list the exact terms and conditions the motorist has broken when using the car parks they manage. This is to show that the contract was broken.
What’s Included in the Free Appeal Template
A clear structure
The template gives you a simple framework for putting your parking appeal together, so you don’t have to work out what to write from scratch.
What you’ll add
- Your parking charge details
- Why you’re appealing
- Any relevant evidence
- What you want the parking company to do
Easy to adapt
Just replace the sections in [square brackets] with the details of your own situation and edit the wording where needed.
You’ll get the template by email so you can save it, edit it and use it when you’re ready.
Free parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
Do you have to pay a Parking Charge Notice?
A valid private parking debt can be owed before a court judgment. Check the parking terms, evidence, amount and whether the person pursued is legally liable. Use the payment or appeal deadline stated on the notice.
You might hear stories and advice online about ignoring Parking Charge Notice, but this isn’t always good advice.
An operator’s decision not to sue does not establish that nothing was owed. Do not rely on another motorist’s experience as a reason to ignore court papers.
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
Appeal Process Steps
POPLA is working hard to address issues that cause unfair parking fees. Main issues are often with technology and third party ticket issuers. 3
So, it’s common to believe that the ticket was unfairly issued. If that’s your case, you have the option to appeal.
Submit a truthful appeal to the operator within the stated deadline and provide relevant evidence. Keep a copy and proof of submission.
I’ve created this table outlining the steps of the appeal process. If you want to learn more, don’t forget to read our complete guide.
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| On receiving a council PCN | Read the notice, keep it, gather evidence and note all payment and challenge deadlines. |
| Windscreen or handed-to-driver PCN | An informal challenge may be available before the Notice to Owner. Early challenge can preserve a discount under the authority’s policy; 14 days is not a universal final appeal deadline. |
| Postal PCN or Notice to Owner | Normally make formal representations within 28 days as stated on the notice. Do not assume there is an extra informal stage. |
| Representations rejected | The Notice of Rejection explains how to appeal to the appropriate independent tribunal, normally within 28 days. |
| Appeal unsuccessful | Pay by the deadline given in the decision or obtain advice on any available review. Further statutory charges can follow if you do neither. |
| Other ticket type | Private parking charges and FPNs use different procedures; follow the actual notice. |
Further guidance: Traffic Penalty Tribunal; Citizens Advice.
Do I need to pay a parking fine from G24?
Use G24’s notice and official service for the payment and appeal deadlines. Do not automatically count 28 days from the parking incident; a postal notice may use a different starting date.
Appeals can be made directly to G24 in writing. The appeal must state why you want the parking ticket cancelled and may require further evidence to support any claims.
G24 is currently listed as an IPC accredited operator. If it rejects an eligible appeal, the independent route is normally IAS, not POPLA. Follow the rejection: standard IAS appeals normally have a 28-day deadline. Do not apply the council parking formal-representation 56-day rule to this private appeal.
Feel more confident before you send your appeal
Writing a parking appeal can be difficult when you’re not sure what to include or how to structure it.
Our free template gives you a clear starting point, helping you:
- Set out what happened clearly
- Explain why you’re disputing the charge
- Include the important details
- Avoid starting from a blank page
Simply adapt the template to your own circumstances before sending it.
Free parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
Are Parking Charge Notices legally enforceable?
You can be taken to court if you don’t pay a Parking Charge Notice. If you are subject to legal action and subsequently lose the case, a judge can issue an order for you to pay.
Ignoring court papers can lead to a default judgment. A defended claim can also result in judgment if the claimant succeeds. Follow the court’s response deadline and obtain advice if needed.
A letter before claim or court claim needs a timely response. A court decides liability and recoverable costs; no operator’s future decision to sue can be guaranteed.
Ready to appeal your parking ticket?
Don’t start with a blank page.
Get our free parking ticket appeal letter template and use it as the starting point for your response.
Add the details of your parking charge, explain why you’re appealing and adapt the wording to your circumstances.
We’ll send the template straight to your email.
Free parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
References
