Millions of motorists face charges annually from private parking operators. Data shows 15.9 million parking tickets issued in the 12 months to September 2025, marking a 17% rise from the previous year’s 13.6 million.
Recently, Euro Car Parks, a major operator that issued 1.9 million tickets in one year, received a £473,000 penalty from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Regulators imposed the fine due to the company’s failure to respond to seven information requests over three months, sent via registered post, email, and hand-delivery. Numerous drivers have raised concerns over demands for payment related to alleged rule violations, yet the firm stayed silent until notified of the penalty.
New Code of Practice for Private Parking
The British Parking Association (BPA) and International Parking Community (IPC), the UK’s leading trade bodies, launched a unified Single Code of Practice in June 2024. Operators must adopt it by October 1, 2024, with all sites compliant by December 2026. Euro Car Parks holds BPA membership, subjecting it to these standards. Non-members cannot access DVLA details for driver addresses.
Key Differences in Ticket Types
Tickets from public authorities like councils or police qualify as fines, such as Penalty Charge Notices or Fixed Penalty Notices. Private land tickets are Parking Charge Notices (PCNs), which consumer expert Martin Lewis describes as “an invoice” rather than a fine.
Steps to Challenge an Unfair Private Parking Ticket
Citizens Advice outlines clear actions for disputing charges. First, confirm if the operator belongs to an Accredited Trade Association (ATA) via BPA or IPC websites, or call BPA at 01444 447 300 (calls cost up to 55p/min from mobiles, 13p/min from landlines).
If Non-ATA Operator
Avoid contact unless they mail you first, as they lack DVLA access. If a ticket arrives by post, report potential unlawful data sharing to DVLA’s Data Sharing Strategy and Compliance Team, Swansea, SA99 1DY.
If ATA Member
Find contact details on the ticket, BPA, or IPC sites. Submit an initial objection in writing or via their specified method before formal appeal. Use Citizens Advice template letters, attaching evidence like hospital delay notes on official paper.
Formal Appeals Process
For BPA members, appeal free to Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) within 28 days of informal rejection. IPC members use the Independent Appeals Service (IAS): free within 21 days, or £15 within one year post-rejection. Include supporting evidence; appeals may overturn tickets deemed unfair, though not for unforeseen issues like illness.
Further Options if Appeal Fails
Pay to avoid escalation, or risk court proceedings initiated by the operator. Winning in court avoids payment; losing incurs costs. Report persistent issues to Trading Standards through Citizens Advice consumer service.
