Private parking fines are a common frustration for drivers across the UK. Whether you’ve overstayed in a retail park, parked incorrectly at a supermarket, or missed a payment in a private car park, you may be wondering: Do I really have to pay this fine? The answer depends on several factors. Let’s break it down.
1. What Is a Private Parking Fine?
A private parking fine is not the same as a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued by local councils. Instead, these are called Parking Charge Notices and are issued by private parking companies managing car parks for supermarkets, shopping centres, hospitals, and other private landowners.
Unlike council fines, private parking charges are not enforced by law in the same way, but they are considered contractual agreements between the driver and the landowner.
2. Do You Have to Pay a Private Parking Fine?
Private parking fines are legally considered an invoice, not a penalty. Whether you must pay depends on:
Signage – Was the parking charge clearly displayed?
Terms & Conditions – Did you break the rules stated on the signage?
Fairness of the Fine – Is the fine proportionate to the violation?
Authority of the Parking Company – Is the company a member of an accredited trade body?
If the parking charge is unfair, unclear, or issued in error, you may have grounds to challenge it before paying.
3. How to Check If a Private Parking Fine is Enforceable
To determine whether your fine is valid, check:
Accreditation – Is the parking company a member of the British Parking Association (BPA) or International Parking Community (IPC)? Only members can request your details from the DVLA to pursue enforcement.
Signage Clarity – Were the rules and charges clearly visible at the entrance and around the car park?
Time Stamps & Evidence – Does the fine provide accurate evidence of the alleged violation?
If the company is unregulated or failed to display clear signage, you may be able to challenge the fine successfully.
4. What Happens If You Ignore a Private Parking Fine?
If you ignore the fine, the parking company may escalate it by:
- Sending reminder letters demanding payment
- Involving debt collection agencies (though they have no legal power)
- Taking you to a small claims court (but only if they have legal grounds)
While private parking firms can take legal action, they must prove you breached the contract and that their fine is fair. Many cases are dropped if challenged properly.
5. How to Appeal a Private Parking Fine
If you believe your fine is unfair or incorrect, follow these steps:
Contact the Parking Company – Appeal directly with evidence (receipts, time-stamped photos, unclear signs).
Escalate to an Independent Appeals Service – If rejected, you can escalate it to POPLA (for BPA members) or IAS (for IPC members).
Know Your Rights – If you were not the driver at the time, you are not automatically liable unless the company follows strict legal procedures.
Conclusion
Not all private parking fines are legally enforceable. Always check the signage, company accreditation, and evidence before paying. If the fine is unfair, challenge it. Avoid unnecessary fines with Karr! Track parking, set reminders, and manage payments all in one app.
