What is a Notice to the Keeper Letter? Next Steps Explained

Have you got a Notice to the Keeper letter and feel unsure about what it means? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Each month, over 32,000 people visit this site seeking advice on tickets and fines.

In this article, we’ll help you understand:

• What is a Notice to the Keeper letter and why you get it.
• How to answer the letter properly.
• How to make an appeal if needed.
• What happens if you don’t respond.
• Where to find more help if you need it.

Our team knows how worrying it can be to get a Notice to the Keeper letter, but we’re here to guide you. Take a deep breath and let’s dive in to learn how to deal with your Notice to the Keeper letter.

Why Are You Sent a Notice to Keeper?

As the registered keeper of a vehicle that has been issued a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) on private property, you will receive a Notice to Keeper. 

PCNs are typically issued for parking violations or other infractions of parking rules. The Notice to Keeper serves as a formal communication to inform the keeper of the alleged violation and subsequent charges. 

In the event that the registered keeper believes the charge is unjust, he or she may appeal to an independent appeals service, such as the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) in the United Kingdom. 

There may be differences in the regulations surrounding PCNs and Notices to Keeper, so it is important to review the specific details provided in the notice and seek additional guidance as necessary.

What Information Is in a Notice to Keeper?

In the event of a parking violation on private property, a private parking company will send a Notice to Keeper to the registered keeper of the vehicle. The Notice to Keeper usually contains the following information:

• Details of the alleged violation – Date, time, location, and nature of the offence.
• Photographic evidence – Pictures of the vehicle at the time of the violation.
• Charge information – The amount of the parking charge and the deadline for payment, as well as the PCN number.
• Information about appealing – Instructions on how to appeal the charge if the recipient believes it’s unjust.
• Legal context – Reference to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (POFA) and how it applies to keeper liability and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
• Contact information – Details for reaching out to the parking company for queries or appeals.

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Do You Need to Respond to a Notice to Keeper?

If you receive a Notice to Keeper, you should consider responding. This notice describes an alleged parking violation on private property. Ignoring the notice could result in further enforcement actions, including legal action, even though private parking fines are not legally enforceable for the actual offence. Once legal action is begun, there is no expiration date for the process.

It is important to carefully review the notice, consider the alleged violation, and take appropriate action. If you believe that the charge is unjust, you have the option of paying the charge or appealing the decision. Please follow the instructions provided in the notice if you decide to appeal. 

It is important to note that certain notices may have specific response deadlines, so responding promptly is recommended to prevent potential escalation. It may be helpful to seek advice from appropriate sources or to appeal through an independent appeals service such as POPLA if you are unsure of your rights or situation.

What if You Don’t Respond to the Notice of Keeper?

There can be several consequences if you fail to respond to a Notice to Keeper. Some of these consequences may include the following:

• Potential legal action – The parking company could choose to take legal action against you to recover the unpaid parking charge.
• Increased charges – Ignoring the notice may result in additional charges and fees being added to the initial parking charge.
• Collection agencies – The debt may be passed on to a debt collection agency, leading to further contact and potential credit score impact.
• Enforcement actions – In some cases, the parking company may seek to enforce the charge through clamping or towing the vehicle.
• Court Judgments – If legal action is pursued and a court judgment is obtained against you, it could impact your credit history and financial standing.

In order to avoid further complications and possible financial consequences, it is important to carefully assess the notice, think about your options, and respond appropriately. Ignoring the notice could lead to further complications and financial consequences. It is important that you follow the instructions provided in the notice to appeal the charge or seek advice as to the appropriate steps to take if you believe it is unjust.

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Can You Make an Appeal if You Are Sent a Notice to Keeper?

If you receive a Notice to Keeper, you can appeal the charge if you believe that it is unjust or inaccurate. Here are the steps you need to take:

• Informal appeal – You can make an informal appeal by contacting the issuer if you have valid reasons to challenge the charge. You might like to use a parking fine appeal letter template to do this.
• Formal challenge – If your informal appeal is rejected, you can proceed with a formal challenge. If your representation is accepted, you won’t have to pay the fine.
• Enforcement process – It’s crucial to follow the appeals process as specified in the notice to avoid further enforcement actions.
• POPLA: – For Parking Charge Notices issued on private land, the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) service offers an independent appeals process.

The specific instructions provided in the notice should always be checked, since the procedure may vary depending on the type of charge and the private parking firm issuing the notice.