How Long Can a Parking Company Chase Me?

Last updated: 15 April 2026

In England and Wales, the limitation period for a private parking charge claim is 6 years from the date of the alleged contravention. This is governed by the Limitation Act 1980. After 6 years, the operator is statute-barred from issuing a court claim, though they may continue to send letters. The limitation period is not affected by debt collector involvement.

--The limitation period is 6 years from the date of the alleged parking event
--Governed by section 5 of the Limitation Act 1980 (simple contract claims)
--After 6 years the operator cannot issue a court claim -- the claim is statute-barred
--Debt collector letters and threats do not extend or restart the limitation period

Key Takeaways

Private parking charge claims are subject to a 6-year limitation period
The clock starts on the date of the alleged contravention, not the date of any letter
Acknowledging the debt or making a partial payment can restart the limitation period
After 6 years the claim is statute-barred and cannot be enforced through the courts
Most parking companies issue court claims well within the 6-year period if they intend to

Key Definitions

Limitation period

The maximum time within which a legal claim must be brought. For simple contract claims in England and Wales, the limitation period is 6 years under section 5 of the Limitation Act 1980.

Statute-barred

A claim that can no longer be brought because the limitation period has expired. The underlying debt still exists in theory, but the courts will not enforce it.

Acknowledgment

An admission in writing that the debt exists. Under section 29 of the Limitation Act, an acknowledgment can restart the limitation period from the date of the acknowledgment.

The 6-Year Limitation Period

Under section 5 of the Limitation Act 1980, a claim founded on simple contract cannot be brought after the expiration of 6 years from the date on which the cause of action accrued. For a private parking charge, the cause of action accrues on the date of the alleged contravention. This means the operator has 6 years from that date to issue court proceedings. If they do not, the claim is statute-barred.

What Can Restart the Limitation Period

The limitation period can be restarted if the debtor acknowledges the debt in writing or makes a partial payment. This is why you should be careful about corresponding with parking companies or debt collectors. An email saying 'I do not owe this money because...' is not an acknowledgment of the debt. But a letter saying 'I accept I owe this but cannot pay' could restart the clock. Making even a small payment also restarts the limitation period.

Debt Collectors and Limitation

Parking companies often pass charges to debt collection agencies. The involvement of a debt collector does not extend or restart the limitation period. Letters from debt collectors threatening court action, adding charges, or demanding payment do not affect the underlying limitation calculation. The clock continues to run from the original date of the alleged contravention regardless of how many different agencies contact you.

Practical Implications

In practice, most parking companies that intend to pursue a claim through the courts do so within 1 to 3 years. If you have not received a county court claim form (not just threatening letters) after several years, it becomes increasingly likely that no claim will be issued. However, you should not assume the threat has passed until the 6-year period has fully expired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a parking company have to take me to court?

A parking company has 6 years from the date of the alleged contravention to issue a county court claim in England and Wales. After 6 years, the claim is statute-barred.

Do debt collector letters extend the limitation period?

No. Letters from debt collectors do not extend or restart the limitation period. The clock runs from the original date of the parking event regardless of subsequent correspondence.

Can the limitation period be restarted?

Yes. Acknowledging the debt in writing or making a partial payment can restart the 6-year limitation period. Be careful not to admit the debt exists in any correspondence.

Is the debt written off after 6 years?

The debt is not technically written off, but it becomes statute-barred. This means the courts will not enforce it. The parking company can still send you letters, but they cannot pursue the claim through legal proceedings.

Should I respond to letters after many years?

Be cautious. Responding is not necessary and any acknowledgment of the debt could restart the limitation period. If you choose to respond, make clear that you do not acknowledge the debt and are simply asserting that the claim is statute-barred.

Does the 6-year limit apply in Scotland?

No. In Scotland, the limitation period for contractual claims is 5 years under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. This guide focuses on the law in England and Wales.

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