IAS parking appeal: how the Independent Appeals Service works

What the Independent Appeals Service is

The IAS is the independent appeals service for parking companies that belong to the International Parking Community (IPC), one of the two trade bodies for private parking in the UK. If an IPC member rejects your appeal, its letter should tell you how to appeal to the IAS.

You can find out which service applies by reading the rejection letter. If it mentions a POPLA code, see our POPLA appeal guide instead.

The IAS says its decisions can't be reviewed later, so take care to get your appeal right the first time.

IAS deadline: why we use 21 days

Different sources quote different time limits for an IPC appeal. To keep you safe, we count 21 days from the rejection date. Some sources now say 28 days — but if you work to the shorter date, you can't be too late.

Before you start

• The rejection letter and any reference number on it.
• The original parking notice.
• Photos of the signs and where you parked, if you have them.
• Receipts, app records or bank statements.
• A short timeline of the day, written while you remember it.

If you're appealing more than one charge, make a separate appeal for each one and mention the others.

POPLA vs IAS at a glance

How an IAS appeal works

1. 1

   Step 1: Register and start your appeal

   Use the details from your rejection letter on the IAS website.

2. 2

   Step 2: Set out every point

   Write clearly, with a heading for each point, and upload your evidence.

3. 3

   Step 3: The company responds

   It provides its evidence and comments.

4. 4

   Step 4: You may reply

   If you get the chance to comment, answer each of their points.

5. 5

   Step 5: Decision

   An adjudicator decides, usually by email.

What to write

• Whether the keeper rules were followed — for example the notice to keeper 14 days rule.
• Whether the signs were clear and readable where you parked.
• Whether you were a genuine customer or made a keying mistake.
• Whether your overstay fell within the grace period.
• Anything wrong with the dates, times or location on the letters.

You don't have to say who was driving, but never say anything untrue.

How to write it so it's easy to follow

Adjudicators read many appeals. Short paragraphs with clear headings make yours easier to follow. Start with one sentence saying what you're asking for — that the charge is cancelled — then set out each reason under its own heading.

• Use the exact dates and times from the letters.
• Refer to each piece of evidence by name, for example 'Receipt A'.
• Stick to facts. Leave out anything you can't support.
• Keep a copy of everything you submit, including a screenshot of the confirmation screen.

If English isn't your first language, or you find writing hard, ask someone you trust to read it through before you submit. Citizens Advice can also help.

If the IAS says no

The decision doesn't stop you from defending a later court claim. The company may send debt collector letters, then a Letter of Claim. Read parking charge debt collector letter and keep every letter. A Letter of Claim needs a reply within 30 days.

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.