Appealing a parking charge for poor signs
A parking charge relies on the terms being shown to drivers. If the signs did not do that, you may have grounds to appeal.
What the rules say
- POFA Schedule 4 refers to notices "adequate to bring the charge to the notice of drivers" (para 2(3)).
- The Single Code requires an entrance sign at each entrance, showing key terms and visible to approaching drivers, including in darkness (clause 3.1 and Annex A).
- The charge must not exceed £100 (Single Code clause 8.2.1).
Timing caveat
Under the Single Code, new sites had to comply from 1 October 2024. The Code's table gives 31 December 2026 for all sites. The IPC says the Code foreword was updated in April 2026 to align signage timescales with the government Code. Older sites may not yet have to meet every Single Code signage rule.
Evidence to gather
- Photos of the entrance and every terms sign, with dates.
- Photos showing distance, height, lighting or obstruction.
- A sketch or map of where you parked.
Check your notice in two minutes
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
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/9/schedule/4
- Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice v1.1: https://www.britishparking.co.uk/write/Documents/AOS/Sector%20Code%20Templates/sectorsingleCodeofPracticeVersion1.1130225.pdf
- IPC Publications: https://www.theipc.info/publications