Parking tickets and penalties, decoded.
Private charge, council penalty or police notice? Each works differently, with different rules and different ways to challenge it. We'll tell you which one you have and what you can do.
Private parking chargesCouncil penalty chargesSpeeding noticesBus lanes & trafficClamping & towing
Example check
A private parking charge
What we'd askExample answers
Who sent the notice?
A private parking companyThe councilThe police
When did it arrive?
12 days ago
What do you have?
Pay-and-display ticketPhotos of the signsNothing yet
Where you stand
This is a private parking charge, not a fine. The company says you broke the terms on its signs. Your ticket covers the time you were there, which is useful evidence.
Your options
- APay itMany companies offer a lower amount if you pay early. Check your notice for the date.
- BAppeal to the companySend your ticket and photos. We'll help you write the letter.
- CIndependent appeal if refusedFree. The service depends on which trade body the company belongs to.
- DDo nothingThe company can take the claim to the county court, which can add costs.
— %Format preview
Share of independent parking appeals decided for the driver, shown with source, period and sample size. See how we show numbersDate to check: appeals to the company usually have a deadline counted from the date of the notice. Check yours today.
Know which one you've got
Three kinds of notice that look alike but aren't.
The heading on the letter tells you a lot. Here's how they differ.
| Private parking charge | Council penalty charge | Police speeding notice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who sends it | A private company running a car park | Your local council | The police |
| What it is | A claim that you broke the car park's terms | A penalty for a parking or traffic rule | Notice that the driver may be prosecuted |
| How to challenge | Appeal to the company, then an independent appeal service | Challenge the council, then an independent tribunal | Name the driver, then options depend on the offer made |
| If ignored | The company may take you to the county court | The amount rises and can be passed to enforcement agents | Not naming the driver is itself an offence |
Speeding is a criminal matter. We explain the notice and your choices. If you want to dispute it in court, you should speak to a qualified professional.
When to bring in a person
Most parking issues don't need a solicitor. These might.
- You've received court papers about a parking charge
- You could lose your licence through points or a ban
- Your vehicle has been clamped or taken and you rely on it for work
- You're asked to attend a magistrates' court
Complex cases are always referred to a qualified legal professional. Your Legal Easy report goes with you, so you don't start from scratch. Referrals aren't available for criminal matters.