UK Car Park Management Parking Charge Notice Explained

Have you got a parking ticket from UK Car Park Management? You’re not alone. Every month, over 32,000 people visit this site looking for guidance on tickets and fines.

It can be hard to understand, but don’t worry. This article will show you:

•  Who UK Car Park Management are
•  Why you might get a fine 
•  The cost of a fine
•  Ways to beat your ticket 
•  What happens if you don’t pay 

We know it’s not nice to get a fine; some of us have been there too. With our expertise, we’ll help you learn how to deal with your parking charge.

So, why would you get a UK Car Park Management fine?

There are numerous reasons why you’d get a CPM parking charge notice. For instance, the operator could issue a fine for a relatively minor parking infringement. It happens a lot.

Moreover, it appears the operator often gets it wrong which results in masses of appeals!

I’ve listed some reasons why CPM could fine you here:

• You didn’t follow their T&Cs when using a car park
• You failed to pay or display the correct fee to park
• You left your vehicle in a bay reserved for the disabled/families with children
• You parked over two bays

When you use a CPM-managed car park, you’re supposed to read the T&Cs before entering the site. However, if the signage is unclear or not clearly visible, you can’t know about the rules! As such, you can’t breach a contract you never entered into.

You see, a parking charge notice is not a ‘fine’. It’s an invoice raised by the operator because you broke a contract with them. In short, parking charge notices fall under contractual law!

Should you pay a UK Car Park Management fine straight away?

You have 28 days to pay a UK Car Park Management fine. But when you wait that long, you’ll pay the full amount of the parking charge. However, when you settle the fine within two weeks, the operator reduces the fine by 40%!

But don’t pay the parking charge before you check the following:

• You deserve the fine and it was issued correctly within the deadline
• The operator followed the BPA’s Code of Practice when issuing the parking charge
• You owned the vehicle when the fine was issued

Only pay a UK Car Park Management company once you’ve ticked all the boxes and confirmed the operator issued it correctly!

How much does a UK Car Park Management fine cost?

For the moment, CPM can fine you £100+ for a parking infringement. Even when you’re a few minutes late getting back to your vehicle which has happened to many motorists in the past.

That said, all private car park management companies must offer a reduced fine when you pay a parking charge within two weeks. It could be worth considering but only if you’re sure the fine was served correctly!

The good news is the government plans to reinstate a lower cap in 2023. It means private operators would no longer be able to overcharge you for a minor parking violation!

Should you appeal a UK Car Park Management fine?

Absolutely, you should appeal a CPM parking charge when you feel it’s not justified. When an operator fails to serve a parking fine on private land correctly, you can ask for it to be cancelled!

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How to avoid paying UK Car Park Management parking tickets

If you want to avoid paying a UK Car Park Management parking ticket then you’ll need an airtight appeal.

The best way to perfect your appeal is getting a little advice from a Solicitor. I’d 100% recommend spending a fiver to get a trial of JustAnswer.

You can explain your situation in their chat and they’ll connect you with a Solicitor who can advise you and give you the best chance to win your appeal.

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How do you appeal a UK CPM parking charge?

There’s a process to follow when appealing a UK CPM parking charge. First, make sure you’ve got enough evidence to back up your appeal. The sort of proof you need might include:

• Images of the signs and road markings in the car park
• Photos of the parking fee you paid
• Photos of the payment machine
• Photos of where you parked
• Witness statement if there’s anyone who can corroborate your story

Next, fill out the online appeals form, and make sure you have the following information to hand:

• Vehicle registration number (VRN)
• Parking charge notice reference number
• Reasons why you want the parking charge cancelled

It’s worth noting that as soon as the operator gets your appeal, they must place your case on hold!

How long does it take for UK CPM to respond to an appeal?

UK PCM should respond with a decision within 56 days of receiving your appeal. You’ll be notified of the following:

• Acceptance of your appeal, in which case the operator cancels the parking charge
• Letter of rejection, in which case you either pay the fine or escalate your appeal

What happens when UK CPM rejects your appeal?

UK CPM’s letter of rejection must contain details on how to pay the fine or escalate your appeal to an independent appeals service. The good news is that it’s a free service and the operator can’t chase you for payment until a decision is made!

As UK CPM is a member of the British Parking Association, you’ll escalate your appeal to the Parking on Private Land Appeals service (POPLA). Moreover, POPLA’s decision must be respected by both parties. So, if your appeal is upheld, the operator must cancel the fine.

But if POPLA rejects your appeal, you’ll have to pay the parking charge!

Can UK Car Park Management enforce a fine?

No. Not without going to a small claims court and winning a case against you. A parking charge is not like a penalty charge notice. For example, a private operator can’t lawfully demand payment from you without a court order!

How do you contact UK Car Park Management?

I’ve included the contact details for UK Car Park Management here:

Contacting UK Car Park Management	Yes/No	Details
By phone	Yes	0345 463 4040 (payments only)
By email	Yes	[email protected] (general enquiries)
In writing	No
Online appeals	Yes	https://appeals.uk-cpm.com/