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How to appeal a ParkingEye parking charge

ParkingEye runs camera-controlled (ANPR) car parks at retail parks, supermarkets, hospitals and leisure sites across the UK. Its charges usually arrive by post weeks after your visit, and the amount roughly halves if you pay within 14 days. Before you pay, check whether you have grounds to appeal. Many people do.

1. Check the dates first

Most ParkingEye charges are camera-based, with no ticket on the windscreen. Under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the Notice to Keeper must be delivered within 14 days, starting from the day after you parked. A posted letter is treated as delivered on the second working day after posting. If it arrived late, the operator cannot hold the registered keeper liable. In that case, don't name the driver.

2. Look for a payment or keying error

Did you pay at the machine or in the app but mistype the registration? Or did you visit twice in one day, and the cameras merged the two visits into one long stay? Both are well-known reasons for cancellation. Collect your bank statement or app receipt.

3. Were you a genuine customer?

If you were shopping, eating or visiting a patient, contact the store or site manager as well. Retailers can often ask ParkingEye to cancel the charge. Keep the receipt.

4. Check the signs

Signs must be clear, prominent and readable from a car at the entrance. If they were missing, faded, hidden or unlit, say so. If you can, return and take dated photos.

What doesn't work

Don't argue that the charge is an unlawful "penalty". ParkingEye itself won that point in the Supreme Court in ParkingEye v Beavis (2015). Stick to facts and procedure.

If ParkingEye rejects you

ParkingEye is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA), so its rejection letter should give you a POPLA code (check the logo on your notice to confirm). You normally have 28 days to appeal to POPLA, and POPLA is free.