CarParkLetterAppeal letters for private parking charges

Paid for parking but entered the wrong registration

Many private car parks ask you to type your registration into a machine, an app or a phone line. A small typing slip can lead to a parking charge even though you paid. The Private Parking Sector Single Code deals with this directly.

What the Single Code says

  • Operators must have and follow a documented policy to avoid issuing or enforcing charges for accidental keying errors (clause 6.3).
  • Minor keying error: where you paid but made a minor slip, such as 0 instead of O, I instead of L or 1 instead of I, the charge must not be pursued once you provide evidence (Annex F.1 h).
  • Major keying error: where letters are wrong or missing, characters are swapped, or you entered a different car (for example your previous car or another car in your household), the operator must reduce the charge to £20 for 14 days, if you provide evidence (Annex F.3 a). This applies only to the first charge for that contravention and only if you pay within 14 days and do not go to an independent appeal.
  • Forgot to enter it at all: where you would have been allowed to park but did not enter your registration into a terminal as the terms required, the same £20 reduction applies (Annex F.3 g).

Evidence to send

  • The payment receipt, bank or card statement line, or app record showing the time and the amount.
  • A photo of the machine screen or app showing what was typed, if you have it.
  • Your V5C or another document showing your correct registration, if the mismatch is with another of your cars.

Steps

  1. Appeal to the operator within 28 days and say plainly which type of keying error it was.
  2. Attach the evidence. Ask the operator to cancel under Annex F.1 h, or to apply the £20 rate under Annex F.3 if the error was major.
  3. If the operator refuses, you can go to POPLA (BPA members) or the IAS (IPC members). See IAS or POPLA.

Common questions

Is a single wrong character a minor error?

The Single Code gives 0 for O, I for L and 1 for I as examples of minor errors. Letters that are wrong or missing, or characters swapped, are listed as major errors.

Should I take the £20 offer or appeal further?

That is your choice. The £20 reduction only applies if you pay within 14 days and do not lodge an independent appeal. If you think the charge should be cancelled entirely, you can appeal instead, but you may lose the reduced rate.

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

Back to the home page

Paid for parking but entered the wrong registration | CarParkLetter