CarParkLetterAppeal letters for private parking charges

Debt collector letter for a private parking charge

If a private parking charge is not paid or appealed, the operator may pass it to a debt resolution agent. The letters can be worrying, but the Single Code sets limits on what can be added and how agents must behave.

What the Single Code says

  • Added costs: where a charge becomes overdue, a sum of up to £70 may be added (clause 9). This does not stop costs being awarded by a court.
  • When a charge is overdue: after the 28 days for payment, or once the appeals process has finished and the time to pay at the full rate has passed (clause 10.1, note).
  • During an appeal: if you lodge an appeal with POPLA or the IAS, enforcement and debt resolution must not start or must be suspended until the appeal is decided (clause 8.4.7).
  • Who can collect: debt resolution agencies must be full members of a trade body, either the BPA or the IPC (clause 10.3).
  • Free advice: all debt-recovery stage letters must say that free debt advice or legal advice is available (clause 10.4).
  • Not knowing about the charge: where a new address is found and you show you did not know of the charge through no fault of your own, you should be offered the chance to appeal or pay at the original rate (clause 10.2).

What to do

  1. Do not ignore it. Read it and check whose name, which charge and what amount it shows.
  2. If you never received the original notice, write to the operator, say so, and ask to appeal or pay at the original rate under clause 10.2.
  3. If you already have an appeal open with POPLA or the IAS, tell the agent and the operator, and point to clause 8.4.7.
  4. For free advice, contact Citizens Advice. If you receive court papers, respond within the deadlines on them.

Common questions

Can they add more than £70?

Under the Single Code, up to £70 may be added when a charge becomes overdue. Court costs are separate and are set by the court.

The government is changing the rules. Does that help me?

The government consulted on a cap on debt recovery fees, and its new Code of Practice was laid on 20 October 2026 but is not yet in force. Until it is, the Single Code applies.

Check your notice and build your letter

The new government Code

A government Private Parking Code of Practice was laid in Parliament on 20 October 2026. It is not yet in force. When it is, it will replace the Single Code and include a mandatory 5-minute consideration period and a 10-minute grace period. Until then, the Single Code applies.

Important

Not legal advice. CarParkLetter is run by Pricing Logic Limited. We provide templates and general information only. We are not solicitors. Check your letter before you send it.

No guarantee of success. Outcomes depend on the facts, the evidence, the operator and the appeals body. If an appeal fails you may still have to pay, possibly without the early payment discount.

Sources

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Debt collector letter for a private parking charge | CarParkLetter