Do you have to pay private parking tickets?

Key takeaways

• There are three types of parking tickets: Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), issued by public authorities, and Parking Charge Notice (also PCN), issued by private landowners or companies

• To challenge a parking ticket, you need to explain why the fine wasn’t justified. Faulty or broken technology, misleading signs and other reasons can all be taken into account

• You have to pay fines from the police or local council but tickets from private companies or landowners are more like invoices, and you can end up in court if you ignore them

Whether you've returned to your car to find a bright yellow ticket of doom slapped on the windshield or you've received a nasty surprise in the post, it’s always worth understanding the ins and outs of parking fines… including the urban myths.

What happens if you don’t pay a parking ticket in the UK?

Before you can decide if you’re prepared to pay a parking ticket, it helps to know what kind you're dealing with. There are three main types of parking tickets that you might come across as a driver:

Fixed penalty notice (FPN)

FPNs are the tickets you might receive from the police, council, or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for various offenses, such as parking violations. In England and Wales, you usually have 28 days to pay before the fine increases by 50%. Ignoring an FPN is not a wise move, as it can lead to court action.

Penalty charge notice (PCN)

These tend to be issued by local authority traffic wardens and can be for a range of issues, such as failing to pay for parking or for not paying your Congestion Charge. PCNs are civil matters, unlike Excess Charge Notices (ECNs), which are criminal charges.

Parking charge notice/PCN

Yes, there are two PCNs - which isn’t very helpful - but this one is issued by private companies for parking on their land without following the rules, or parking companies employed on their behalf. These notices are basically invoices for a breach of contract. Paying early can often result in a discount, but ignoring them can end up in court action.

Do you have to pay a parking charge notice?

It depends. But before you even think about refusing to pay, take a moment to consider if the fine was justified. It’s worth knowing that private companies can't technically fine you; they can only claim you've breached a contract with them.

If you've clearly violated the parking rules, challenging the ticket might not be worth your time. But if there's faulty technology, misleading signs, or you had extenuating circumstances, you might have a case.

When should I challenge a parking ticket?

Challenging a parking ticket requires effort and evidence, so think about whether it’s worth it. You might want to consider an appeal if:

• There was a faulty parking meters or ticket machines

• Car park signs were unclear or misleading

• You were dealing with extenuating circumstances, like a medical emergency

Remember, you'll need to back up your claim with solid evidence, such as photographs or witness statements.

Know your rights: clamping and towing

Getting clamped or towed is usually a result of illegal parking, invalid insurance, or an untaxed vehicle. But remember, private operators can't legally clamp or tow on private land in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Can I remove a wheel clamp myself?

It probably isn’t a good idea. If you decide to remove a clamp yourself, you could be charged with criminal damage, so it's best to go through the proper channels to resolve the issue.

How do I challenge a parking ticket?

Ready to challenge a ticket? Here's what you should do:

• Check who issued the ticket. There are usually signs in car parks outlining the rules and which local authority or company sets them

• Start with an informal approach – a phone call to clear up a few questions and prompt a ticket cancellation could be all it needs

• If that doesn’t work, make a formal appeal. Be warned though, they don’t have high success rates and can very time-consuming

• In some cases, you may need to take your appeal to an independent tribunal

How to deal with private parking fines

Private parking fines require a different approach. Here's what you need to know:

• Private parking fines need legal backing to enforce payment

• If the fine is from the police or council, you have to pay it

• Tickets from private companies are more like invoices for contract breaches and can lead to small claims court if ignored

To challenge a private parking ticket, check if the company is a member of a trade body like the British Parking Association (BPA) or the International Parking Community (IPC), and follow their official appeals process. If the firm isn't affiliated with a trade body, seek legal advice before deciding to ignore the ticket.

If your appeal is rejected, you can apply to the Parking on Private Lands Appeals (POPLA) scheme, which is an independent appeals service, which is also free. They'll consider all evidence from both the motorist and parking operator before making a judgement.

Do parking tickets affect car insurance?

No. The good news is that parking tickets should not affect your car insurance. Insurers usually focus on other driving-related factors, such as speeding or driving under the influence, rather than parking violations.

How can I avoid a parking ticket?

Apart from avoiding getting one in the first place, here are some tips to keep you ticket-free:

• Steer clear of parking on double yellow lines or in clearways

• Always display parking tickets or permits clearly and correctly

• Familiarise yourself with local parking restrictions and don't assume exceptions for disabled parking without checking

• Look out for signs outlining the rules in private car parks. Supermarkets, hospitals and retail parks will usually employ a separate parking company to run their car park

When it comes to parking tickets, knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and park smart.