Have you received a private parking fine from IPC and are wondering whether to pay it or appeal it? This is the right place for you. Each month, over 130,000 people visit our website for advice on fines and parking tickets.
Which? found that unclear rules and various payment methods in private car parks are partly to blame for an increased number of fines.1 So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry. This article will provide you with simple and clear information on:
- The role of IPC in parking fines.
- Whether you should pay your parking fine.
- How to appeal against your parking fine.
- Understanding the difference between a fine on private land and public land.
- Tips to help you make a successful appeal.
We know that getting a private parking fine can be frustrating and confusing. But you’re not alone; we are here to offer plenty of helpful tips and examples to guide you through the process.
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.
Did you receive an IPC Parking Fine?
Should You Appeal Against A Parking Charge?
Appeal Process Steps
I know that the appeal process may sound challenging. But don’t worry; I’ve put together this table to help you understand each step you should take. For more information, please read our detailed 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.
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.
The IPCs Appeals Service
However, its role in private parking enforcement is important.
Tips on making a successful Parking Charge Notice appeal
The key to making a successful Parking Charge Notice appeal is to be honest and follow the correct parking fines appeal process. In my experience, the more proof you have to support an appeal, the better the chance of an appeal being upheld.
I also suggest you use an appeal letter template that sets out exactly how to word a parking ticket challenge.
The sort of evidence I suggest you provide should be:
- A valid ticket for the amount you paid to park
- Photos of road markings and parking signs that were faded, unclear or misleading
- Witness statements if available
- An invoice from a repair garage if you had broken down
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.
What if you don’t pay?
If you don’t pay a Parking Charge Notice, the issuer could instruct a debt collection agency to recover what’s owed for parking violations penalties. Moreover, they could begin legal proceedings and if a judge issues an order to pay, you’ll have no choice but to pay.
A County Court Judgement (CCJ) could be registered on your credit file which stays there for six years.
You’ll have trouble getting any sort of finance until the CCJ expires.
How do you complain about an operator to the IPC?
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
IPC Parking Contact Details
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
