If you’ve ever returned to your vehicle only to find a parking ticket tucked under the windscreen wiper, you’re not alone. Parking fines are a common occurrence across the UK, and while many are issued fairly, mistakes do happen. Whether it's a confusing sign, unclear markings, or a genuine mistake, understanding your legal rights when it comes to challenging a parking fine is essential.

Below, our experienced solicitors in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, explain your rights and outline the legal process involved in challenging a parking fine - specifically under the laws that apply in Wales and the wider UK. We’ll cover the types of parking fines you might receive, when and how you can appeal, and what evidence you’ll need to support your case.

Understanding the different types of parking fines in the UK

Before challenging a parking fine, it's important to understand exactly what type of fine you’ve received, as different rules and appeal processes apply depending on who issued it.

1. Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Issued by local councils for parking offences on public roads or council-run car parks. These are common in towns and cities across Wales.

2. Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)

Typically issued by the police for more serious parking or traffic violations. These may involve higher fines and potential court proceedings if ignored.

3. Parking Charge Notice (Private Ticket)

Issued by private companies operating on private land (such as supermarkets, hospitals, or retail parks). Despite sounding similar, these are not the same as council-issued PCNs and are effectively invoices for alleged breaches of contract.

Can I appeal a parking fine?

Yes. You are legally entitled to challenge any type of parking fine if you believe it has been issued unfairly or in error. However, your grounds for appeal and the process you need to follow will depend on the type of notice.

Valid reasons to challenge a parking fine

You may have grounds to appeal if:

• The signage was unclear or missing
• You were parked correctly but received a fine in error
• The parking machine was broken
• You were within the grace period (usually 10 minutes overstay is allowed for council car parks)
• You were issued the fine while loading/unloading, or in an emergency
• The fine was sent to the wrong vehicle or registration number
• You were the new owner of the vehicle, and the offence occurred before you bought it

In the case of private parking charges, you can also challenge a ticket if you feel the fee is excessive or disproportionate, or if the company failed to follow proper procedures under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Read: Common types of civil litigation cases and how to handle them

How to challenge a Penalty Charge Notice (Council-Issued)

If you’ve received a PCN from your local council in Wales:

1. Do not pay the fine if you intend to appeal.

Paying the fine is considered an admission of guilt and typically ends your right to challenge it.

2. Informal challenge (before Notice to Owner)

If the PCN was placed on your car, you can make an informal appeal in writing to the council. If rejected, you’ll receive a Notice to Owner (NTO).

3. Formal representation

Once you receive the NTO, you have 28 days to make a formal representation. You’ll need to include relevant details and evidence (photographs, receipts, witness statements, etc.).

4. Independent adjudicator appeal

If the council rejects your representation, you can escalate the matter to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for Wales and England. Their decision is binding.

How to challenge a private parking ticket

Private companies do not have the same legal powers as local authorities, but their tickets can still be enforceable if taken to court.

1. Contact the parking company

Check whether they are a member of an accredited trade association (e.g. the British Parking Association). Only members are permitted to access DVLA data and issue enforceable notices.

2. Submit an appeal

Do this within the specified time (usually 28 days). State your case clearly and include supporting evidence.

3. Appeal to POPLA or IAS

If your appeal is rejected and the company is accredited, you can escalate your case to an independent appeals service:

• POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) - for BPA members
• IAS (Independent Appeals Service) - for IPC members

4. Ignore with caution

If the company is not accredited or hasn’t followed correct procedures, their notice may not be enforceable. However, proceed with caution. Ignoring a legitimate claim could result in a County Court Judgment (CCJ).

Can you go to court over a parking fine?

Yes, but this usually applies to unpaid fines or disputed private parking charges. If a case reaches court and a judgment is made against you, it can impact your credit rating. However, if your appeal is strong and you can present clear evidence, you may succeed in having the fine cancelled.

Read: Steps to take before filing a civil claim

Useful tips when challenging a parking fine

• Act quickly - You’ll usually have 28 days to appeal, or 14 days if you want to pay the reduced fine while appealing.
• Keep a paper trail - Save all correspondence, photos, receipts, and notices.
• Be clear and polite - Lay out your case factually and concisely.
• Use photos or video - Evidence of signage, road markings, or the location of your car can help your case.
• Don’t ignore official notices - Even if you feel the fine is unfair, ignoring letters can lead to enforcement action.

Seeking legal advice for parking disputes

In most cases, you can handle a parking appeal yourself. However, if your case is complex or you’ve received multiple notices, legal advice may be worthwhile - especially if a claim is made against you in court.

Our team of expert solicitors in Ebbw Vale are well-versed in all aspects of civil law, including disputes involving unfair penalties or invoices. We can review your situation and help determine your best legal course of action.

Ultimately - know your rights!

Parking fines can be frustrating, particularly when you believe they’ve been issued unfairly. Fortunately, you have legal rights when it comes to challenging a PCN, FPN, or private parking charge in Wales or anywhere in the UK.

By understanding the type of fine, following the correct process, and presenting a strong case with evidence, you can give yourself the best chance of having the fine cancelled.

Whether you’ve received a local authority PCN in Ebbw Vale, or a private charge from a supermarket car park, knowing the law and your rights is the first step towards resolving the matter fairly.