What is a Parking Permit Holders Only Fine & Do I Need to Pay?
Have you found a ticket on your car for parking in a space marked ‘permit holders only’? Don’t fret; we’re here to help. Over 32,000 people each month come to us for guidance on tickets and fines. It’s normal to feel worried about not handling the ticket or fine correctly or even fearing legal action. But let’s take a step at a time.
In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll cover:
- What a ‘Parking Permit Holders Only’ fine is.
- How the permit parking scheme in the UK works.
- How to know if you’re in a controlled parking zone.
- Steps to take if you receive a parking permit holders only fine.
- How to potentially appeal your ticket.
We’ve dealt with a lot of parking tickets in the past, so we understand your concerns and are here to offer help. Let’s delve into what you can do about your parking fine.
Do You Have to Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
It’s a bit sneaky, but the last time I needed legal advice, I paid £5 for a trial to chat with an online solicitor called JustAnswer.
Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
Chat below to get started with JustAnswer
In partnership with Just Answer.
Parking in Permit Holders Only Fine – do you need to pay?
Getting any sort of Penalty Charge Notice is frustrating no matter what happened. Whether you pay or appeal a PCN depends on several things. For instance, did you park in a Parking Permits Only bay without a permit?
If so, you may have to pay the PCN and ideally within 14 days so you pay the discounted amount.
However, when you feel a Permit Holders Only fine is unfair or just plain wrong, it’s your right to challenge it. But make sure you do it within 14 days and have enough evidence to back things up.
Otherwise, you may end up paying a lot more than the original Parking Permit Holders Only PCN!
I hope the information in my post helps you decide how to deal with a Parking Permit Holders Only fine so it doesn’t cost you a fortune!
Should you appeal a Parking Permits Only fine?
You could opt to appeal a Parking Permits Only fine and it’s your right to do so. But make sure you have ample evidence to back up your appeal first.
I’ve listed how appeals against PCNs are typically handled here:
| Accepted methods for an appeal | Yes/No |
| In writing by post | Yes |
| Via the issuer’s online portal | Yes |
| Over the phone | No |
Once the issuer gets your appeal, everything is placed on the back burner until it’s been assessed. It can take several weeks for the issuer to decide whether to uphold or reject your appeal.
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
How do you pay a permit holder only fine?
Most local councils and other authorities let you pay a Permit Holder Only fine online. They’ve got dedicated payment pages on their sites to facilitate things.
That said, some authorities take payments over the phone. It’s always worth checking payment options on the PCN you get.
You must provide the following details when paying a PCN:
- The PCN reference number
- Your VRN – vehicle registration number
- The chosen method of payment
Sometimes, you can even pay the PCN in person.
If the PCN was issued in England or Wales, you can check which authority to pay by going to the Gov.UK postcode finder.
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
How long do you have to pay a Parking Permit Holders Only fine?
You typically have 28 days to pay a Parking Permit Holders Only fine. That said, if you wait the full 28 days, you’d have to pay the full amount indicated on the PCN.
Alternatively, you could opt to pay the fine within two weeks to benefit from a discounted rate. That said, some councils offer a discounted fine when you pay within 21 days!
How much would a Parking Permit Holders Only Fine cost?
You may have to pay as much as £130 if you park in a Parking Permit Holders Only bay in London and you don’t hold a permit.
Elsewhere in the country, it could set you back £70!
However, when you pay the fine early, say within two weeks, the issuer offers you a discounted rate.
This is 50% less than the original fine!
It’s an incentive to get you to settle the fine early. But think carefully first. Make sure the fine is correct and that the details on the PCN are yours before forking out any money!
Hire a Parking Solicitor for less than a coffee.
If you’re thinking about appealing your parking ticket then getting some professional advice is a good idea.
Getting the support of a Solicitor can make your appeal much more likely to win.
For a £5 trial, Solicitors from JustAnswer can look at your case and help you create an airtight appeal.
In partnership with Just Answer.
