Receiving a parking ticket from Parkingeye can be a frustrating experience, but don't worry - you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to challenge it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of appealing a Parkingeye ticket, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to potentially overturn an unfair charge.
Parkingeye is a private parking management company operating throughout the United Kingdom. They work on behalf of landowners to enforce parking regulations on private property. It's crucial to understand that the tickets they issue, known as Parking Charge Notices (PCNs), are not official fines. Instead, they're invoices for an alleged breach of contract between you and the landowner.
This distinction is important because it affects your rights and the appeal process. While you should take these charges seriously, you also have more room for negotiation than you might with an official penalty.
There are several valid reasons why you might choose to appeal a Parkingeye ticket. Let's explore each of these in detail:
Parkingeye must provide accurate information on their PCNs. Check the following details carefully:
- Vehicle registration number
- Date and time of the alleged violation
- Location of the parking area
- Details of the specific parking rule you're accused of breaking
If any of this information is incorrect, it could form the basis of a successful appeal.
Parking terms and conditions must be clearly displayed in the car park. Issues with signage that could support your appeal include:
- Signs that are too small to read from your vehicle
- Obscured or damaged signs
- Inconsistent information across multiple signs
- Lack of signs at all entrances to the car park
Take photographs of any problematic signage to support your case.
Sometimes, unexpected situations arise that prevent you from complying with parking rules. These might include:
- Medical emergencies (either your own or a passenger's)
- Vehicle breakdown
- Sudden illness
- Being involved in or assisting with an accident
In these cases, gather any evidence you can, such as medical certificates, breakdown service receipts, or witness statements.
If you attempted to pay for parking but were unable to due to faulty equipment, this could be grounds for appeal. Evidence might include:
- Photographs of out-of-order signs on machines
- Records of attempted card transactions
- Witness statements from other drivers experiencing the same issue
As the registered keeper of the vehicle, you may receive a PCN even if someone else was driving. In this case, you can appeal by providing the actual driver's details. However, be aware that this may result in the charge being transferred to them.
If you believe the parking charge is excessive compared to the 'loss' suffered by the landowner, you may have grounds for appeal. This argument can be complex, so consider seeking legal advice if pursuing this route.
Now that we've covered the common grounds for appeal, let's walk through the process of challenging a Parkingeye ticket:
You typically have 28 days from the date of issue to appeal a Parkingeye ticket. Don't ignore it or delay, as this could lead to increased charges and potential legal action.
Collect any evidence that supports your case. This might include:
- Photographs of your parked vehicle
- Images of unclear or inadequate signage
- Parking receipts or payment confirmations
- Medical certificates or hospital discharge papers
- Breakdown service receipts
- Witness statements
- Any correspondence with Parkingeye or the landowner
Craft a clear, concise appeal letter explaining why you believe the ticket should be cancelled. Key points to remember:
- Be polite but firm in your tone
- Stick to the facts and avoid emotional language
- Clearly state the grounds for your appeal
- Reference any evidence you're including
- Request that the charge be cancelled
You can usually appeal online through Parkingeye's website or by post. If appealing by post, send your letter to:
Appeals Department
Parkingeye Ltd
PO Box 117
Blyth, NE24 9EJ
Make sure to include your PCN number and all supporting evidence.
Parkingeye should respond to your appeal within 28 days. During this time, they should not escalate the charge or take any further action.
If Parkingeye rejects your appeal, you have the option to escalate your case to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals). This is an independent appeals service, and it's free to use. You'll have 28 days from receiving Parkingeye's rejection to submit your appeal to POPLA.
To maximise your chances of a successful appeal, keep these tips in mind:
Never provide false information or doctored evidence. This could seriously harm your case and potentially lead to legal consequences.
The more evidence you can provide to support your case, the stronger your appeal will be. Don't hold back - include everything relevant.
If applicable, reference specific laws or regulations that support your case. For example, you might cite the British Parking Association's Code of Practice if you believe Parkingeye has breached it.
Maintain copies of all correspondence with Parkingeye, including emails, letters, and records of phone calls. Note down dates, times, and the names of anyone you speak to.
For complex cases or high-value charges, you might want to seek legal advice. Some solicitors specialise in parking disputes and can provide valuable guidance.
If your appeal to Parkingeye and POPLA are both unsuccessful, you have a few options:
1. Pay the charge to avoid further action
2. Attempt to negotiate a reduced fee
3. Choose not to pay, but be aware that Parkingeye could pursue legal action
Remember, each case is unique, and there's no guarantee of success. However, by following this guide and presenting a strong case, you give yourself the best chance of having an unfair parking charge dismissed.
While knowing how to appeal is important, it's even better to avoid getting a ticket in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Always read parking signs carefully before leaving your vehicle
- Set a timer on your phone to remind you when your parking time is up
- Keep some change handy for parking machines that don't accept cards
- Consider using parking apps for easier payment and time management
- If you have a Blue Badge, make sure it's clearly displayed
It's crucial to understand your rights when dealing with private parking companies like Parkingeye. Remember:
- PCNs are not official fines, but invoices for alleged breach of contract
- Private parking companies cannot clamp or tow your vehicle (in most of the UK)
- They cannot impact your credit score without a court judgment
- You have the right to appeal and to escalate to independent adjudication
By being informed and proactive, you can navigate the world of private parking enforcement with confidence. Whether you're appealing a ticket or simply trying to avoid one, knowledge is your best defence.
The most important things are to appeal within 28 days, provide good evidence, and follow the proper steps in the order they require. Doing so gives you the best chance at getting an unfair parking charge dismissed.
If you're dealing with a parking ticket from Euro Car Parks, check out our guide on how to appeal a Euro Car Parks ticket.
For those facing issues with Horizon Parking, read our guide on how to appeal a Horizon Parking ticket.