PARKING NOTICE
A Parking fine is a penalty issued for the violation of parking rules on public or private land in which a person is ordered to pay a sum of money because they have parked a vehicle illegally. At Sunrise Solicitors, we provide legal advice and representation if you believe a parking fine has been wrongfully issued or unfairly enforced.
Types of Parking Fines
In the UK, parking fines and penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued for various parking and traffic violations. The main types include:
- Penalty Charge Notice (PCN): It is issued by local authorities to those who violate the parking and traffic rules, for example, parks on wider lines or in limited areas.
- Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN): It is the police, councils, or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) who can grant this permit to a vehicle owner for severe parking violations, such as parking in a dangerous position or causing an obstruction.
- Private Parking Fees: It is a fine issued by private companies to people who violate their terms of conditions on their personal property, for example, parking without receiving approval or overstaying the permitted time limit.
How to Pay a Parking Fine?
There are various methods to pay the parking fine in the UK. Some of them are listed below:
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) Payment
- If you get a penalty charge notice or parking fine, you can pay through the local council’s website.
- Discounts available if paid within a 14-day period.
- Failing to pay within 28 days results in a 50% penalty increase and potential legal enforcement.
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) Payment
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued for certain parking violations and minor offenses. You can pay via:
- Online: Visit the Penalty Notice Portal and enter your notice details.
- Phone: Call DVSA at +44 (0)300 123 9000 with your payment code.
- Post: Send a cheque or postal order to ‘DVSA Fixed Penalties Office’ at the address on your notice.
Private Parking Charge Payment
Private parking charges (Parking Charge Notices) are issued by private companies for parking violations on their property.
- Payment: Follow the instructions in the notice. Payment methods usually include online, phone, or postal options.
- Legal Status: These fines are not legally binding unless the company wins a court hearing.
- Appeals: Dispute the charge with the company first. If rejected, escalate to an independent appeals service if the company is accredited.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine/Ticket?
If you believe your parking fine is unfair, you can challenge it through the appropriate appeal process.
PCN Appeal Process
To appeal a parking fine.
- Informal Appeal (within 28 days): Contact the issuer, state why the fine is wrong, and provide evidence.
- Formal Appeal (if denied): Provide a formal representation of documents that support your claim.
- Independent Tribunal (if rejected again): Appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England & Wales).
FPN Appeal Process
- Dispute the Fine: Follow the instructions on the notice to challenge the FPN. There is no formal appeal process. Disputing the FPN may result in a court hearing where you can present your case.
Private Parking Fine Appeal Process
- Check Accreditation: Verify if the enterprise is a member of BPA or IPC.
- Internal Appeal: Proceed with your appeal through the company’s internal processes. Offer proof as needed.
- Independent Appeal: If rejected, escalate to:
- BPA Members: Appeal to Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA)
- IPC Members: Appeal to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS)
Consequences of Not Paying a Parking Fine
The Ignoring of Parking Fines in the UK Can Lead to Escalating Situations
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
Increased Penalties: Failing to pay within 28 days leads to a ‘Charge Certificate,’ which increases the fine by 50%. If you do not pay the fine, the authority can register the debt with the County Court, and the court can order you to pay.
Enforcement Actions: Continued non-payment may lead to enforcement measures, such as bailiff involvement, additional fees, and potential impact on credit ratings.
Private Parking Fines
Debt Collection: Unpaid private parking charges could be passed to a debt collecting agency.
Legal Actions: The company issuing the bill has the right to file a lawsuit. If the claimant wins the lawsuit, the court enters a judgment and allows further actions, including involving bailiffs.
Sunrise Parking Fine/Ticket Solicitors – How Can We Help?
Sunrise Solicitors specializes in helping individuals challenge their parking tickets in the UK. It includes the following services:
Legal Advice on Parking Fines
- Case Assessment: Assessing the situation for the enforceability of the fine.
- Understanding Your Rights: Clarifying the legal basis of your fine and potential grounds for appeal.
Challenging Unfair Parking Fines
- Preparing Appeals. Drafting and submitting strong legal appeals
- Tribunal Representation: Representing clients, when necessary, in appeals to a tribunal.
Defending Against Court Action
- Responding to Legal Notices: Assisting with Charge Certificates or Orders for Recovery.
- Court Representation: Giving a defense if you are taken to court by a private parking company.
Stopping Bailiff or Debt Collection Action
- Filing Statutory Declarations: Challenging Unjust Escalations
- Negotiations: Engaging councils, private companies and enforcement agents on your behalf.
Selecting Sunrise Solicitors means expert help with UK parking legislation and transparent fixed-fee services. We have a proven record of successfully fighting unfair fines.
Contact Sunrise Solicitors for Expert Assistance
Sunrise Solicitors offers free legal advice regarding challenging unfair parking fines. Contact us via:
- Email: enquiries@sunrisesolicitors.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 8543 0999
- WhatsApp: +44 78 51 135681
Visit our office at 228 Merton High Street, South Wimbledon, London SW19 1AU. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 6 PM.
For more details, visit sunrisesolicitors.co.uk.
