How to appeal a private parking charge (POPLA & IAS guide)

A private "parking charge" from a company like ParkingEye or Euro Car Parks is a contract claim, not a government fine. That's good news — they're very appealable.

Private charge vs council PCN — why it matters

A private parking charge is issued by a company on private land (supermarkets, retail parks, hospitals). It relies on you having entered a contract by parking. If the contract wasn't properly formed — unclear signs, no chance to read terms — it isn't enforceable. A council PCN is different (statutory) and follows a separate route.

Step 1: Appeal to the operator first

You must appeal to the company first, usually within 28 days. State your ground clearly and ask them to cancel. Keep it factual. If they reject, they must give you a verification/appeal code for the independent service.

Step 2: Escalate free to POPLA or the IAS

This is the key step most people skip. If the operator is a member of the British Parking Association, you appeal to POPLA; if a member of the IPC, you appeal to the IAS. Both are free and independent, and they overturn a significant share of charges. Your rejection notice tells you which one and gives the code.

The grounds that win private appeals

Inadequate signage — terms weren't clear or prominent, so no contract formed (Parking Eye v Beavis [2015] UKSC 67 set the bar for clear notice).
No grace period — the BPA/IPC codes require a consideration period and a minimum grace period.
Valid payment / permit / Blue Badge displayed.
Broken payment machine with no working alternative.
POFA non-compliance (keeper appeals) — if you weren't the driver, the operator must strictly comply with Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (correct Notice to Keeper, wording and timing) to transfer liability to you. Put them to strict proof.

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Should you just ignore it?

Ignoring a private charge is risky — operators can issue court claims, and an undefended claim can become a CCJ. It's far better to appeal properly and escalate to POPLA/IAS than to bin the letters.