How to Cancel a ParkingEye Parking Charge
Receiving a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) from a private company like ParkingEye can be frustrating, but it is not a fine. You have clear rights to challenge these charges. Do not ignore it, as the charge can escalate.
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Your rights
Unlike council-issued penalty charge notices, private parking charges are based on contract law. When you park on private land, you are deemed to have entered into a contract with the parking operator, ParkingEye, by accepting their terms and conditions displayed on signage. The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 allows private parking companies to pursue the vehicle's keeper for unpaid charges, provided they follow strict procedures. For keeper liability to apply under Schedule 4 of the Act, a postal notice to keeper must generally be delivered within 14 days of the parking incident. Keeper liability then applies only after a 28-day period if the charge remains unpaid and the driver is unknown. You have the right to appeal this charge, first to ParkingEye, and if rejected, to the independent appeals service, POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals). ParkingEye, as a member of the British Parking Association (BPA), must adhere to the BPA's Code of Practice, which POPLA uses to assess appeals.
Step by step
- 1Gather all evidence related to the parking incident, including photos of signage, your vehicle, parking tickets, bank statements, or witness statements.
- 2Appeal directly to ParkingEye within 28 days of the PCN's delivery, either online or by post. The charge will be placed on hold at its current amount and will not increase while your appeal is assessed, which can take up to 28 days during busy periods.
- 3If ParkingEye rejects your appeal, they must provide you with a POPLA verification code. You will then have 14 days to pay the charge at its current amount, or you can appeal to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) using the code.
- 4If you choose to appeal to POPLA, submit your appeal within 28 days of ParkingEye's rejection.
- 5If POPLA rejects your appeal, you should pay the full outstanding charge within 14 days to avoid further escalation and potential court action. Alternatively, seek independent legal advice.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“Our ANPR cameras show you overstayed the permitted time.”
Comeback, My vehicle was only present for X minutes, or the cameras are inaccurate. I have evidence to support this, such as receipts, dashcam footage, or a witness statement.
“You failed to display a valid permit or ticket.”
Comeback, I did purchase a ticket or have a valid permit, but the machine was faulty, or the permit fell. I have proof of payment, such as a bank statement or a photo of the ticket stub.
“The signage clearly states the terms and conditions.”
Comeback, The signage was unclear, obscured, or insufficient in number or size to form a valid contract. Therefore, I could not have reasonably agreed to the terms.
What actually happens
In practice, dealing with a ParkingEye charge often involves several stages. An initial appeal to ParkingEye must be made within 28 days of receiving the notice. During this period, the charge is put on hold and will not increase, though ParkingEye can take up to 28 days to process the appeal. To remain eligible for any early payment discount, the CMA advises appealing within 14 days. If ParkingEye rejects your appeal, you typically have 14 days to pay the charge at its current amount or escalate to POPLA. If you appeal to POPLA and they reject it, the full outstanding charge must be paid within 14 days to avoid further action. Successful appeals can lead to full cancellation, especially if you were exempt, or a reduction to £20 for minor errors like a registration number typo, even after payment.
FAQ
What happens if I ignore a ParkingEye PCN?
Ignoring a private parking charge is not advisable. The charge can increase significantly due to added fees, and the company may pursue you through debt collection agencies or court action.
What are common successful reasons for appealing?
Successful appeals often involve unclear or inadequate signage, mitigating circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, vehicle breakdown), proof of valid payment or permit, or evidence that the PCN was issued incorrectly (e.g., ANPR error). Charges may also be cancelled if the motorist was exempt, or reduced to £20 for issues like a registration number typo after payment.
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Sources
A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice. Last researched 2026-09-29.