Should I Pay or Appeal my NSL Parking PCN?

Receiving an NSL Parking PCN can be a cause for concern. You’re not alone. Each month, over 32,000 people visit this site seeking advice on tickets and fines.

This article will guide you through understanding and handling your parking fine. Here’s what we will cover:

•  Who is NSL Parking?
•  Why you get a private parking fine?
•  How to win against your ticket?
•  Should you pay a private parking charge notice?
•  What happens if you don’t pay a private parking fine?

We understand how you might feel. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through the process of dealing with your parking fine and help you make an informed decision about appealing.

Why Are You Given a Private Parking Fine?

There are various reasons why private parking operators may issue fines in the UK. Here are some of the most common:

• Overstaying duration – Parking for longer than the permitted time (including the 5-minute rule).
• Invalid ticket: Not displaying a valid parking ticket or permit.
• Incorrect parking – Parking outside of designated bays or not within the markings.
• Reserved spaces – Using spaces reserved for specific users (e.g., disabled bays) without the proper authorisation.
• Payment issues – Not paying the appropriate parking fee or not paying at all.
• Returning restrictions – Returning to the car park within a specified period after leaving, commonly known as a ‘no return within’ rule.
• No parking pones – Parking in areas marked as “No Parking.”
• Incorrect registration – If the car park requires entering your vehicle’s registration and you enter it incorrectly.
• Failure to comply with signs – Ignoring or not following the terms and conditions mentioned in the car park signage.

Ensure you read and understand the terms and conditions displayed in private parking areas to avoid unexpected fines. If you believe you have been unfairly fined, you can appeal, and there are established appeal processes.

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Do You Need to Pay a Private Parking Charge Notice?

The legitimacy of a private parking charge notice in the UK needs to be understood before you decide whether to accept it or not. Private parking fines are typically issued by private parking companies, although they are not legal fines and are not legally enforceable. In contrast to Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by local authorities, private parking charges are often based on contract law. Before you pay the fine, you should consider checking the following:

• Check if the company is a member of a trade association like the British Parking Association (BPA) or the International Parking Community (IPC). These associations have codes of practice that their members should adhere to.
• Assess whether the charge is a “genuine pre-estimate of loss.” If the charge seems excessive compared to the actual loss incurred by the parking company, it might be challenged.
• If you believe the charge is unfair or unclear, you can appeal to the parking company. They are required to offer an appeals process.
• If the parking company rejects your appeal and you still believe the charge is unjust, you can contact an independent ombudsman service, like the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) or the Independent Appeals Service (IAS).
• Ultimately, whether you need to pay a private parking charge notice depends on the circumstances, the legitimacy of the notice, and your willingness to contest it through the appropriate channels.

Making an Appeal Against a Parking Charge Notice

If you wish to make an appeal against a parking charge notice in the UK, you can use the advice I have given below, following the steps that apply to you in your own case.

• Review the notice – Carefully read the parking charge notice to understand the reason for the charge and the appeal process outlined by the issuing company.
• Gather evidence – Collect evidence that supports your appeal. This can include photographs, receipts, and any relevant documents.
• Contact the Issuer – Use the contact details on the notice to communicate your intent to appeal. Many companies provide online appeal forms or email addresses. 
• Compose your appeal – Clearly state your case in writing. Explain why you believe the charge is unjust, providing any evidence you’ve gathered. You can use a standard appeal letter template at this stage.
• Submit the appeal – Send your appeal within the specified time frame. Make sure to keep a copy of your appeal for your records.
• Independent appeals – If your initial appeal is rejected, some parking operators are part of independent appeals services. If so, you can escalate your appeal to these bodies.

The appeal process and timeframe will vary depending on the issuing company and the specific circumstances. It is advisable to follow instructions provided by the issuing company as soon as possible.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay a Private Parking Fine?

There can be escalating consequences if you fail to pay a private parking fine in the UK. In order to collect unpaid parking fines, private parking companies usually use debt collection agencies. It’s important to note, however, that private parking companies do not have the same legal authority as local authorities when issuing fines. They may even send letters requesting payment and even threaten legal action. To recover the debt, they can take you to court, but they must prove the claim is valid.

You may need to pay a fine along with court costs if the parking company wins the case in court. However, if you believe the fine is unjust or the company has not followed proper procedures, you can choose to defend yourself in court. If this is the case, it is advisable to seek legal advice.