Can You Get A CCJ For Parking Ticket in the UK?
Did you receive a parking ticket in the UK, and you’re worried because you can’t or won’t pay it? You are not alone.
Every month, this site is visited by over 32,000 people looking for guidance on tickets and fines. It can be a bit scary, but there’s no need to feel worried.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand:
- The difference between a penalty charge and a parking charge
- How much time you have to pay these charges
- Steps to challenge your ticket and possibly win
- What could happen if you choose to ignore a penalty or parking charge
- If you can get a CCJ (County Court Judgement) for an unpaid ticket and how it could affect your credit score
We know how it feels to get a parking ticket, and we are here to help. So, take a deep breath, and let’s find out how you can deal with your parking ticket.
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.
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Can you get a CCJ for an unpaid Penalty Charge?
Yes. The ‘charge’ is registered as if it’s a county court judgement against you. Moreover, there are more court costs to add to the amount you owe.
So, it’s never a good idea to bin the parking fine or to ignore it. Your best option is to challenge the fine as soon as possible. Ideally within 2 weeks so you get to pay a reduced fine if the authority rejects it. But this only applies to England and Wales!
Once you get an Order for Recovery, there’s a deadline to respect before things escalate and enforcement agents get involved!
Can you get a CCJ for an unpaid Parking Charge?
Yes. You could get a CCJ for an unpaid Parking Charge. But only if the operator takes you to court and wins a case against you.
There’s always a 50/50 chance a car park management company might start legal proceedings against you. It’s a risk you’ll have to weigh up when deciding not to pay a parking fine on private land!
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 long do you have to pay a Penalty Charge Notice?
You have 28 days to pay a Penalty Charge (PCN) before the issuing authority raises the amount by 50%. But when you pay a PCN within two weeks, the amount is reduced by 50%.
How long do you have to pay a Parking Charge Notice?
Again, you’re given 28 days to pay a Parking Charge Notice but you’ll have to pay the full amount. That said, a private operator reduces the amount by 40% when you pay it within 14 days!
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Getting the support of a Solicitor can take a huge weight off your mind.
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What happens when you ignore a Penalty Charge?
The issuing authority follows a strict legal process when you ignore a Penalty Charge Notice and you don’t pay.
I’ve listed the process below:
- The authority sends you a Charge Certificate in the post if you’re the registered keeper
- When you ignore things at this stage, you receive an Order of Recovery
- Enforcement agents are instructed to recover the amount owed on the Penalty Charge Notice plus fees and costs
When you don’t pay up at this stage, enforcement agents (bailiffs) could seize your possessions to cover the amount you owe!
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What happens when you ignore a Parking Charge?
The operator who issued the parking charge could do the following when you ignore a parking ticket on private land:
- Send payment reminders to the registered keeper’s address
- Send a final payment demand
- Instruct a debt collection agency to chase you for the money owed
- Send you a Letter of Claim (Letter Before Action)
- Start legal proceedings against you in a small claims court
A car park management company can’t lawfully make you pay a parking charge without first winning a case against you. In short, only a court can order you to pay a parking ticket on private land!
Do parking tickets affect credit score UK?
An unpaid parking fine on its own will not affect your credit score. But when you get a CCJ registered against you, it could ruin your credit history. Moreover, a County Court Judgement stays on your credit file for 6 years making it harder to borrow during this time.
Are there any useful contacts regarding parking tickets?
Yes. There are some useful contacts regarding parking tickets and I’ve listed a few here:
| London Tribunals | Phone 020 7520 7200 |
| Email: [email protected] | |
| www.londontribunals.gov.uk | |
| POPLA | Phone 03301 596126 |
| https://www.popla.co.uk/contact | |
| Independent Appeals Service (IAS) | Email: [email protected] |
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.
