UK Parking Charge Glossary
Quick reference: This glossary defines the key terms used in private parking charge disputes in the UK, from PCNs and POFA to debt recovery fees and County Court Judgments. Understanding these terms is the first step toward a successful defence.
Private parking disputes are full of acronyms and legal jargon designed to confuse. This glossary explains every term you are likely to encounter, from the initial parking charge through to court proceedings.
Notices and Documents
PCN (Parking Charge Notice)
An invoice issued by a private parking company for an alleged breach of parking terms on private land. It is not a fine and carries no criminal penalty. The parking company is making a contractual claim that you owe them money.
PCN vs Penalty Charge Notice: key differences →Penalty Charge Notice (Council)
A statutory fine issued by a local council or Transport for London for a parking contravention on public land. Unlike a private PCN, a Penalty Charge Notice is a genuine fine backed by legislation with higher enforcement powers.
Learn the differences →NTK (Notice to Keeper)
A formal notice that a private parking company must send to the registered keeper under Schedule 4 of POFA 2012. It must be sent within 14 days and contain prescribed information. Failure to serve a valid NTK means the company cannot hold the keeper liable.
POFA 2012 and the 14-day rule explained →NTD (Notice to Driver)
The initial parking charge notice given to the driver, either attached to the vehicle windscreen or handed to the driver at the time of the alleged contravention. Under POFA 2012, the NTD must be given before the operator can pursue keeper liability.
Letter Before Claim / Letter Before Action
A formal letter sent by a parking company or their solicitors before they issue court proceedings. Under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, they must send this letter and allow 30 days for a response before filing a County Court claim.
How to respond to a Letter Before Claim →Legal Framework
POFA (Protection of Freedoms Act 2012)
The Act of Parliament whose Schedule 4 created the legal framework for private parking enforcement. It allows companies to hold the registered keeper liable for unpaid charges, subject to strict procedural requirements including the 14-day notice rule.
Full POFA 2012 guide →Keeper Liability
The legal principle established by POFA 2012 allowing a private parking company to hold the registered keeper responsible for a parking charge, even if they were not the driver. Only arises if the company follows all requirements of Schedule 4.
Driver vs keeper: who is liable? →Pre-Action Protocol
The procedural rules a claimant must follow before issuing court proceedings. Requires sending a Letter Before Claim, providing specific debt information, and allowing 30 days for a response. Failure to follow the Protocol can result in costs sanctions from the court.
Small Claims Track
The court procedure for civil claims under £10,000, governed by CPR Part 27. Almost all private parking claims are allocated here. You do not need a solicitor, the loser does not normally pay the winner's legal costs, and hearings are informal.
County court defence guide →CCJ (County Court Judgment)
A court order confirming you owe a debt. If not paid within 30 days, a CCJ stays on your credit file for six years and can affect your ability to obtain credit, mortgages, and some employment.
Can a parking charge affect your credit score? →Technology
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)
Camera technology used by private parking companies to record vehicle number plates entering and leaving a car park. The system calculates the duration of the stay and automatically generates a charge if the vehicle overstays. ANPR evidence can be challenged on accuracy, signage, and grace period grounds.
Organisations
BPA (British Parking Association)
One of two trade bodies that accredit private parking companies in the UK. BPA members must follow the BPA Code of Practice and use POPLA as their independent appeals service. BPA-accredited companies can access DVLA keeper data.
IPC (International Parking Community)
The second trade body that accredits private parking companies in the UK. IPC members must follow the IPC Code of Practice and use the IAS as their appeals service. Like BPA members, IPC-accredited companies can access DVLA keeper data.
POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals)
The independent appeals service for BPA member companies. If the parking company rejects your initial appeal, you can escalate to POPLA free of charge. Decisions are binding on the operator but not on the motorist.
How to appeal a parking charge →IAS (Independent Appeals Service)
The independent appeals service for IPC member companies. It performs the same function as POPLA but for IPC members. Appeals are free and the decision is binding on the operator.
Costs and Fees
Debt Recovery Fee
An additional charge added to the original parking charge when the case is passed to a debt collection agency or solicitor. A common example is the £70 fee added by companies like DCB Legal, increasing a £100 charge to £170. The legality of these fees is increasingly questioned by courts.
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Start Your DefenceGuides
- POFA 2012 Explained
Full guide to the Protection of Freedoms Act and keeper liability.
- How to Appeal a Parking Charge
Step-by-step appeal process from operator to POPLA/IAS.
- County Court Defence
How to defend a parking charge in the Small Claims Track.
- What Happens If You Don't Pay
The full timeline from PCN to court, and your best strategy.