Here are your options as the number of tickets issued by private companies in Britain reaches a record level.
According to statistics released this month, the number of parking penalties issued by private businesses has reached an all-time high.
According to figures analysed by the PA news agency from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the number of parking citations issued by private companies in Britain increased by 24% in the second half of 2022 to reach 5.7 million, or an average of 31,000 per day.
What can you do to contest a ticket if you believe it to be unfair? We list your alternatives here.
Check what type of parking ticket it is
First, establish whether the fine is from an organisation such as a local council, or from a private company.
According to consumer and driving issues expert Scott Dixon, these frequently “appear identical” and are “done purposefully to deceive motorists.”
It is crucial that people recognise the disparities, he continues.
You can figure it out using the language in the ticket. A private company ticket has a different appeals process than a penalty charge notice, also known as a fixed-penalty notice or penalty charge notice (PCN).
You will receive a parking charge notice from a private company in the interim.
You can start the appeal process once you determine what kind of fine you have been assessed.
React immediately
Regardless of the type of ticket you received, you need to take action.
If you pay your fine within 14 days, councils will often offer you a lower amount. You should be able to pay the smaller sum even if your appeal is rejected.
Some individuals could believe that fines imposed by private companies can be taken less seriously and even not be required to be paid. If you choose to disregard the fine, a debt collection agency can become involved.
According to Appeal Now’s founder, Barrie Segal, “People frequently become really irritated and disappointed. I’ve seen situations where someone tore up their parking ticket and couldn’t read it to appeal, or where they put the ticket in a drawer and then forgot about it.
Make sure it is correct
Make sure all the details on the ticket are correct, as it could be void if there is a mistake. For example, check the location and time match up with where you were parked.
Gather your evidence
Provide as much as possible. This could include anything with a time stamp, such as a receipt from your shopping, a work log or photographs.
Take pictures of the signs and road markings in case you return to your car and discover that you have been issued a ticket.
For a start, always pay attention to the signs. Do they have a clear display?
Always pay attention to the indicators, advises Segal. Are they presented clearly, and have you received enough information to allow you to make an informed choice? The key issue is that.
Councils must take into account any mitigating factors. For instance, you might have had to stay late for a hospital appointment, which would have caused you to miss your automobile. Any evidence you have of these mitigating circumstances should be noted since it will be included in your appeal.
Witness statements would be the next best thing to back up your allegation if that isn’t achievable.
What is the procedure for appealing?
If you have a local authority PCN on your windscreen, the first step is to write the council in writing within 14 days of receiving the notice to file an informal appeal. In your letter, please explain why you believe the fine should be revoked and request that it be cancelled.
It will cancel the fine if it grants your appeal. You will receive a letter and a document known as a notice to owner if the informal appeal is denied.
You have 28 days to file a formal appeal after this point, or you can choose to pay the fine at the lower 50% rate.
You will get a notification of denial if this appeal is rejected.
If local governments upheld every appeal, they would lose money in the appeals process.
Citizens Advice advises against contacting a company unless they have first written to you if they are not a member of an established trade group.
Your name and address can only be obtained from the DVLA by accredited trade association members, so a company that isn’t a member won’t be able to get in touch with you.
To find out if a company is a member, visit the websites of the British Parking Association or International Parking Community.
Simple, speedy ways to keep your car ticket-free
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