Private parking tickets, issued by companies managing private car parks, differ from council-issued penalty charge notices. You receive these tickets for breaching parking rules, such as overstaying or parking incorrectly. This article explains the consequences of not paying a private parking ticket in the UK, outlines your options, and provides actionable advice.
What Is a Private Parking Ticket?
Private parking operators, not local authorities, issue these tickets. They operate under contract law, not statutory law. You might get a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) for:
- Exceeding time limits
- Parking outside designated bays
- Failing to display a valid permit Companies like ParkingEye or UKPC manage these tickets, often in supermarkets, retail parks, or private estates.
Why Do People Ignore Private Parking Tickets?
You might think private tickets lack legal weight compared to council fines. Some drivers ignore them, believing that companies won’t pursue payment. Others dispute the ticket’s validity due to unclear signage or unfair charges. However, ignoring a ticket carries risks.
Immediate Consequences of Not Paying a Private Parking Ticket
If you don’t pay within the specified period (usually 28 days), the parking company escalates the issue:
- Late Payment Fees: The initial fine, often £50-£100, increases with additional charges.
- Reminder Letters: You receive persistent letters demanding payment.
- Debt Collection: The company may pass your case to a debt recovery agency, adding more fees.
Can Private Parking Companies Take Legal Action?
Yes, parking companies can pursue legal action. They may file a claim in the County Court, leading to:
- Court Costs: You cover legal fees if you lose the case.
- Credit Score Impact: A County Court Judgment (CCJ) harms your credit rating, affecting loans or mortgages.
- Enforcement Actions: Bailiffs may seize goods to recover unpaid amounts in extreme cases.
How Do Parking Companies Enforce Payment?
Private parking operators use several methods to enforce payment:
- Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): Cameras track your vehicle, linking it to your address via the DVLA.
- Debt Recovery Agencies: Firms like Debt Recovery Plus chase payments aggressively.
- Legal Threats: Companies issue letters threatening court action to pressure you into paying.
What Are Your Options If You Receive a Private Parking Ticket?
You have several paths to handle a private parking ticket:
- Pay Promptly: Settle the fine within 14 days for a reduced rate (often 40% less).
- Appeal the Ticket: Challenge the ticket if signage was unclear, the charge seems unfair, or you weren’t the driver. Use the company’s appeal process or escalate to an independent body like POPLA or IAS.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor if you face a CCJ or complex disputes.
How to Appeal a Private Parking Ticket Successfully
Follow these steps to appeal effectively:
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of unclear signs, faulty machines, or mitigating circumstances.
- Submit an Appeal: Write to the parking company within 28 days, citing specific grounds.
- Use Independent Appeals Services: If rejected, appeal to POPLA (for BPA members) or IAS (for IPC members).
- Avoid Identifying the Driver: If you’re the registered keeper but not the driver, don’t name the driver to limit liability.
Are Private Parking Tickets Legally Binding?
Private parking tickets aren’t fines like council penalties but contractual agreements. Courts may enforce them if the operator proves you breached clear terms. The 2019 Parking (Code of Practice) Act aims to regulate private parking, ensuring fairer practices, but it’s not fully implemented.
How Does Not Paying Affect Your Credit Score?
Ignoring a ticket risks a CCJ, which stays on your credit file for six years. This impacts:
- Mortgage applications
- Loan approvals
- Rental agreements Paying within 30 days of a CCJ removes it from your record.
Common Myths About Private Parking Tickets
- Myth: “Private tickets aren’t enforceable.”
- Fact: Companies can pursue payment through courts.
- Myth: “I can ignore letters from debt collectors.”
- Fact: Persistent debt collection escalates costs and stress.
- Myth: “They can’t find me if I move.”
- Fact: The DVLA provides your updated address to operators.
Tips to Avoid Private Parking Tickets
Prevent tickets with these proactive steps:
- Read signage carefully before parking.
- Use apps like JustPark for hassle-free parking.
- Keep payment receipts or permits visible.
- Park within marked bays and follow time limits.
What Happens If You Keep Ignoring the Ticket?
Continued refusal to pay leads to:
- Escalating fees, sometimes exceeding £200.
- Aggressive debt collection tactics.
- Potential court action and CCJ, impacting your financial future.
Conclusion: Act Quickly to Avoid Escalation
Don’t ignore a private parking ticket in the UK. Pay early to save money, appeal if you believe it’s unfair, or seek legal advice for complex cases. Taking prompt action prevents costly consequences like court judgments or credit score damage.