What to Do If You Get a Parking Ticket in the UK
Last updated: 3 August 2025
Step 1: Identify the Type of Ticket
There are two main types of parking tickets in the UK:
- Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) – Issued by local councils for parking, traffic, or bus lane offences.
- Parking Charge Notice – Issued by private companies (e.g. in supermarket or retail park car parks). These are not fines but invoices for breach of contract.
The ticket should clearly state who issued it. Council-issued PCNs carry more legal weight, while private tickets rely on contract law.
Step 2: Check If the Ticket Is Valid
Mistakes happen. Always check:
- The date, time, and location are accurate
- Your vehicle details are correct
- Proper signage was in place
If any information is incorrect, you may have grounds to challenge the ticket.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Pay or Appeal
If you accept the ticket is valid, paying quickly can save money. Most councils and private firms offer a 50% discount if you pay within 14 days. If you think the ticket is unfair or incorrect, you have the right to appeal. Don’t pay if you’re planning to challenge it — payment is seen as accepting liability.
Step 4: Appeal the Ticket
For council-issued Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), you usually have two stages of appeal:
- Informal appeal – If you received a PCN on your windscreen, you can make an informal appeal before the Notice to Owner is sent.
- Formal appeal – Once the Notice to Owner arrives, you have 28 days to make a formal representation.
- Independent tribunal – If the council rejects your appeal, you can escalate the case to an independent adjudicator, such as the Traffic Penalty Tribunal or London Tribunals.
For private parking tickets, you should appeal directly to the company first. Include any relevant evidence, like photos or receipts. If your appeal is rejected, you can escalate to the appropriate independent body. This will be either POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) or the IAS (Independent Appeals Service), depending on the company’s trade association.
What Evidence Should You Provide?
- Photos of signs, road markings, or unclear instructions
- Receipts or proof of payment
- Dashcam footage (if available)
- Witness statements or any correspondence
Step 5: Don’t Ignore It
Ignoring a council-issued PCN can result in a Charge Certificate and even bailiff enforcement. Costs can increase significantly the longer you leave it. Private parking companies cannot send bailiffs without first winning a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you. However, ignoring the notice entirely can lead to court proceedings and damage your credit record if a CCJ is issued.
Difference Between PCN and Private Tickets
Penalty Charge Notice (Council):
- Enforced under law
- Can lead to bailiffs if unpaid
- Formal appeals process available
Parking Charge Notice (Private):
- Based on contract law
- Can be challenged more easily
- Often unenforceable if signage is poor or terms weren’t clear