Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
A private parking charge is issued by a private company on behalf of a landowner. It is not a criminal fine. It is a demand for payment under the terms the operator says you agreed to by parking. It is often called a 'Parking Charge Notice' – which can be confused with a council 'Penalty Charge Notice'.
Your main options
- Appeal to the parking operator, usually within 28 days of the notice.
- If the appeal is rejected, use the independent appeals service named in the rejection letter – POPLA for British Parking Association members, or the IAS for International Parking Community members.
- Pay the charge, often at a reduced rate if paid early.
Don't ignore it
Ignoring a private parking charge can lead to debt collection letters and, in some cases, a county court claim. Always read every letter and keep to the deadlines.
MyParkedCar is an information and referral website. Parking bookings and specialist services are provided by third parties.