We understand that receiving a parking charge can be frustrating and potentially confusing. This page explains how our parking enforcement works, your rights as a motorist, and what to do if you believe a charge has been issued incorrectly.
Why Parking Charges Are Issued
Our car parks operate under clearly displayed terms and conditions. When you park on the site, you are entering into an agreement to follow those rules.
As an example, a Parking Charge may be issued if:
- Payment was not made or was insufficient
- The vehicle overstayed the permitted time
- The vehicle was not permitted to be parked in the car park
Our Responsibilities
We are committed to operating fairly and lawfully. This means we:
- Provide clear and visible signage
- Apply charges in line with UK law
- Handle your personal data responsibly
- Offer a fair and transparent appeals process
We cannot and we will never:
- Clamp or tow your vehicle on private land
- Force immediate payment on the spot
- Misrepresent fines as "official penalties"
- Enter your vehicle or seize property
Your Rights as a Motorist
You have the right to:
- Be clearly informed of parking terms before you park
- Receive accurate and timely notices
- Challenge a parking charge if you believe it is incorrect
- Have your appeal reviewed fairly
If you believe that we have not met our legal requirements, you must follow our appeals process and supply sufficient evidence for your appeal to be considered fairly.
Understanding Your Parking Charge
All notices include details of the reason for the charge, the amount being charged, and how to respond. You may receive a Parking Charge in one of two ways:
On Your Vehicle
- Issued at the time of the parking event
By Post
- Sent using vehicle keeper details obtained lawfully
If You Believe a Charge Is Incorrect
You have the right to a fair appeals process. We welcome you to contact us if you think a Parking Charge has been issued to you in error, but we ask that you follow our appeals process for your situation to be considered fairly.
If you submit an appeal that is unsuccessful, you may be able to refer the matter to an independent appeals service. If this is the case, you will lose the right to pay any discounted rate, and you may still be liable for the full charge.
Use of Cameras (ANPR)
Some of our locations use camera technology to monitor entry and exit times.
Where cameras are in use:
- Clear signage is provided
- Data is handled in accordance with data protection laws
If a Charge Remains Unpaid
If a charge is not paid or successfully appealed:
- You may receive reminder letters
- You may be visited by a registered debt recovery agency to recover the debt
- You may receive a court summons
Your Rights Under the Law
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA)
- Parking companies can only hold the registered keeper liable if strict legal conditions are met.
- We need to follow strict rules to enforce your Parking Charge.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (POFA) is a significant piece of legislation that governs private parking charges in England and Wales. It introduced the concept of keeper liability, allowing private parking companies to pursue the registered keeper of a vehicle for unpaid parking charges. This was done under strict procedural requirements to prevent abuse and ensure that motorists are not unfairly burdened with liability for parking charges. It provides a legal framework for the recovery of unpaid parking charges, ensuring that motorists are not held liable for parking charges without sufficient evidence of who was driving the vehicle.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Our charges must be fair and proportionate.
- We provide clear information about your rights and responsibilities.
- Our signs must be clear, visible, and easy to understand
- Our terms must be presented before you park
- Our charges must be clearly stated
Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
- Your personal data must be used lawfully and securely.
- You have the right to:
- Access your data
- Request correction or deletion (in certain cases)
Practical Tips for Motorists
- Always read parking signs carefully
- Keep receipts or proof of payment
- Take photos if you believe the signage is inadequate
- Act promptly if you receive a Parking Charge
- Keep all correspondence
Disclaimer
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex cases, consider seeking independent legal guidance or support from a consumer advice organisation.