Drivers are being urged to brush up on their parking knowledge after private parking companies issued a record 14.4m tickets in a single year.
Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com offer drivers practical tips on how to avoid private parking fines and navigate appeals.
Parking in car parks operated by private companies, whether that’s at a supermarket, airport or fast food restaurant, means entering into a contract with the landowner, and breaching it can result in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
With each PCN typically set at £100, motorists could collectively be facing bills of up to £1.4bn according to figures from the most recent financial year, unless they manage to appeal or secure a reduced fee.
To avoid fines, drivers are advised to always check signage carefully before leaving their vehicle, paying close attention to the terms and conditions of parking.
It’s important to ensure vehicles are parked fully within the marked bay, as private operators are known to issue tickets to motorists who park over the lines. Also, disabled bays should only ever be used by drivers who hold a valid blue badge.
Motorists should also keep track of how long they’re allowed to park and make note of exactly when they arrived, as unlike local authorities in England, which offer a 10-minute grace period, private parking companies may issue PCNs even if drivers are only a few minutes late.
Drivers who end up receiving a fine they think has been unfairly charged should never pay it straight away, as it means accepting liability.
Instead, they can appeal directly to the parking operator, providing evidence such as photos of unclear signage, proof of payment or time of return, or mitigating circumstances.
If the appeal is rejected, it’s possible to escalate it to an independent appeals service, which depends on the operator’s trade association.
John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco said: “With drivers potentially facing up to £1.4 billion in private parking charges in a single year, this is no longer a minor issue.
“At a time when the cost of motoring is already high, private parking fines can feel like an extra sting for motorists who’ve made an honest mistake. Even being a few minutes late can land them with a £100 fine.
“Until stricter regulations for private car park operators are enforced, it’s vital that drivers protect themselves by checking signage carefully, keeping track of time and knowing their rights if a charge is issued.
“Many fines can be successfully appealed, so motorists shouldn’t assume they should pay up straight away if they feel it’s not fair.”
Here are five practical tips from the team at LeaseLoco.com for avoiding private parking fines:
1. Read signage carefully before parking
Before leaving your vehicle, always take a moment to read the parking signs in full, paying close attention to time limits, payment requirements and any restrictions.
2. Ensure vehicle is parked in a marked bay
Make sure your car is parked fully within the lines of a marked bay, as private operators are known to issue tickets for even being a little bit out of line. Also, make sure to never park in a disabled bay if you don’t have a blue badge.
3. Keep track of time
Always note exactly when you arrived and how long you’re allowed to park, as private parking companies may issue PCNs even if you’re only a few minutes late. Setting a timer on your phone can help avoid accidentally overstaying, especially as there is no guaranteed 10-minute grace period in private car parks.
4. Don’t pay the fine straight away if you think it’s unfair
If you receive a PCN that doesn’t seem right, avoid paying it immediately. This can be seen as accepting liability, which means you can’t then subsequently appeal.
5. Appeal with evidence
When challenging a PCN, provide as much supporting evidence as possible, such as photos of unclear signage, proof of payment, timestamps or mitigating circumstances. If your initial appeal is rejected, you may be able to escalate it to an independent appeals service.
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