Should I pay a private parking charge? Your options explained

Private vs council PCN: the difference

Both are often called a 'PCN', which adds to the confusion. Look at the logo and the sender's name: a private company or a council.

Is a private parking fine enforceable?

A private company can't fine you, but it can ask a court to make you pay. In 2015 the Supreme Court decided, in ParkingEye v Beavis, that an £85 overstay charge at a retail park wasn't an unfair penalty. That doesn't mean every charge is valid: the company still has to show the terms were clear, that it had the right to issue charges, and — if pursuing the keeper — that it followed the keeper rules.

A court looks at the evidence from both sides. Each case depends on its own facts, so a decision in someone else's case doesn't decide yours.

Your options

1. 1

   Step 1: Appeal for free

   You usually have 28 days to appeal to the company, then a free independent appeal.

2. 2

   Step 2: Ask the business to cancel

   If you were a customer, patient or guest, the business may be able to get the charge cancelled.

3. 3

   Step 3: Pay the reduced amount

   Most companies offer a lower amount for about 14 days.

4. 4

   Step 4: Wait and see

   Some people keep everything and respond only when a Letter of Claim or claim form arrives. This carries more risk and more letters.

The reduced amount: when it makes sense

Most companies offer a lower amount if you pay within about 14 days. If our checker didn't find a clear problem and you'd rather not spend time on it, paying early is the cheapest option. Many companies keep the reduced amount open while they consider your first appeal, so you can often appeal first and still pay the lower amount if it's rejected — check your letter, as this varies.

Once you go to an independent appeal, or the charge is passed to a debt collector, the reduced amount usually ends and the amount asked for often goes up.

If you can't afford to pay

Tell the company in writing and ask whether you can pay in instalments. Keep a copy. If you have other debts too, National Debtline and StepChange give free, confidential help.

What happens if you ignore a private parking fine

Ignoring the first letters usually leads to reminders, then debt collector letters, then a Letter of Claim from a law firm, and possibly a court claim. If a court claim is ignored, a parking CCJ can follow. You can't safely ignore the last two stages.

Whatever you decide, keep records

Keep the letters, any photos and a note of what you did and when. If you pay, keep the receipt and the confirmation that the charge is closed. If you appeal, keep a copy of your appeal and the reply.

How to decide

• Did our checker find a strong point? For example a late notice to keeper. Then an appeal is worth sending.
• Were you a customer? Ask the business first.
• No obvious problem? Appealing is still free. If you'd rather not deal with it, paying early is the cheapest option.
• Can't afford it? Ask the company about paying in instalments, and get free debt advice if you need it.

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.