Use this guide as soon as you get a parking ticket or a letter about a parking charge you think is unfair. Have the ticket or letter, photos of the scene if possible, and any receipts, permits or parking app records.
Step by step
Identify what you have received
A Penalty Charge Notice is issued by a council or other public authority under traffic law. A Parking Charge Notice from a private company, for example at a supermarket or retail park, is a claim for breach of contract, not a fine. The name and wording on the letter tell you which it is and who to appeal to.
Note the deadlines
Write down every date on the notice, including any reduced payment period and the deadline for challenges. Deadlines and discounts vary, so check the notice itself carefully. Missing a deadline can remove your right to appeal or increase the amount.
Gather your evidence
Go back to the location if you can and photograph signs, road markings, bay lines and any faults, such as a broken payment machine. Collect receipts, permits, app records or proof of a breakdown or medical emergency. Keep copies of everything you send.
Challenge a council penalty
Make an informal challenge to the council, usually online or in writing, explaining clearly why the penalty is wrong. If that is rejected, wait for the formal notice and make a formal representation. If that is also rejected, you can appeal to the independent parking tribunal named in the council's letter.
Challenge a private parking charge
Appeal to the parking company first, in writing, with your reasons and evidence. If it rejects your appeal, it should tell you which independent appeals service to use, depending on the trade body it belongs to. Do not ignore letters, as the company can take court action to recover the charge.
Get help if it escalates
If you receive a court claim or letters from debt collectors, respond by the deadlines given. Citizens Advice can explain your options and help you decide whether to pay or defend a claim. Keep all correspondence together.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Notice identified as council penalty or private charge
- All deadlines written down
- Photos of signs and markings taken
- Receipts, permits or app records collected
- Clear written appeal sent
- Copies of all letters and emails kept
- Next appeal stage noted if rejected
Practical tips
- Keep your appeal short and factual, stick to the key reasons and attach evidence rather than long explanations.
- Take photos of the signs and your parked car at the time whenever you park somewhere unfamiliar.
- If you were not the driver of a hired or sold car at the time, say so clearly and provide proof.
Common problems
The payment machine was broken so I could not pay.
Photograph the machine and any error message, and note the time. Include this with your appeal along with evidence you tried other payment methods if available.
My appeal to a private company was rejected.
Check the rejection letter for the independent appeals service and the deadline to use it. Submit your evidence to that service; its decision is based on the facts and the signs at the site.
I have received a county court claim for a parking charge.
Do not ignore it, as a judgment could affect your credit record. Respond within the time shown and contact Citizens Advice promptly for help.