Can I appeal a parking charge after paying? Today, and under the new Code

What happens today

Parking companies and their trade associations generally see payment as accepting the charge. Today, most won't reopen a paid charge, and the independent appeal services usually only look at charges that are still being disputed.

That doesn't stop you asking. If you paid by mistake, or under pressure, write to the company, explain what happened, set out your points and ask for a refund. Keep a copy.

Common reasons people want to appeal after paying

• Paid twice — for example once by app and once after the letter arrived.
• Paid the wrong charge — a different reference, or a charge for a car you'd already sold.
• Found evidence afterwards — a receipt or app record turned up after you'd paid.
• Paid under pressure — after a debt collector letter, without checking the original charge.

A double payment or a payment against the wrong reference is the easiest to put right: send proof of both payments and ask for the duplicate back. For the others, set out your points and evidence calmly and ask for a refund.

Other routes worth trying

• Ask the business. If you were a customer, patient or guest, the business may be able to ask its parking company to refund you.
• Hire and lease cars. If a hire company paid and charged you an admin fee, see parking charge on a hire car.
• Card chargeback. This rarely fits a parking charge you chose to pay, because you authorised the payment. It's more relevant where you were charged without agreeing, such as by a hire company.

If you haven't paid yet: appeal first

Many companies freeze the reduced amount while they consider a first appeal. Check your letter, because this varies.

Keep proof of what you paid

Whatever happens next, keep the payment confirmation, your bank statement and every letter. If the new Code comes into force and you want to use a post-payment appeal then, you'll need to show when you paid. Note the date somewhere you'll find it again.

What the new Code changes (not yet in force)

The government says it's fair to let motorists appeal after payment, and the new Code will set a 30-day time limit for doing so. Trade associations argued against this, saying payment means the case is closed.

We don't yet know exactly how this will work for charges paid before the Code starts. GOV.UK says transitional arrangements will be published when it comes into force. If you paid recently and want to appeal, write to the company now as well — it costs nothing, and you'll have a record that you raised it.

Today vs when the new Code starts

See the new private parking code of practice 2026 for the full list of changes, or should I pay a private parking charge? to weigh up your options. Last checked against GOV.UK: Monday 2 November 2026.

This is self-help information, not legal advice. You don't have to say who was driving, but never say anything untrue. Examples on this page are illustrative and based on typical situations, not real cases.

This is a free self-help guide, not legal advice. Check your own letters and dates. If you're unsure, get free advice from Citizens Advice. Written by the Parking Help team.