How to avoid a parking charge
Parking is a service, not a right.
Plan your journey and parking in advance.
P
Plan your journey and parking in advance.
A
Always read the signage and follow instruction.
R
Responsible and Respectful when parking.
K
Keep an eye on the time
PARKING ADVICE
& TOP TIPS
How to avoid a parking charge
Parking is a service, not a right.
What is a Trade association?
In the context of private parking in the UK, a Trade Association is an organisation that represents private parking companies and sets industry rules and standards. There are two trade associations for the private parking sector:
British Parking Association (BPA)
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The BPA runs the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS), meaning its members must follow the sector single Code of Practice.
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If you get a ticket from a BPA member, you can appeal to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) after your initial appeal to the parking company.
International Parking Community (IPC)
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The IPC has its own Accredited Operator Scheme (AOS) meaning its members must follow the sector single Code of Practice.
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If you get a ticket from an IPC member, you can appeal to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), after your initial appeal to the parking company.
Why Do Trade Associations Matter?
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Only parking companies that belong to the BPA or IPC can legally request your details from the DVLA to issue tickets.
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Their codes of practice set standards on signage, grace periods, and appeal procedures.
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Trade Associations also lobby government on behalf of their members.
Unfair Parking Charge
If you think your Parking Charge isn’t fair:
1. Get advice before you appeal – ask our chatbot.
2. If you decide to appeal, you have to appeal to the parking company first.
3. If your appeal is rejected, you can then appeal to an independent appeals service. The parking company will explain how to do this.
P
Plan your journey and parking in advance.
A
Always read the signage and follow instruction.
R
Responsible and Respectful when parking.
K
Keep an eye on the time
What is a Trade association?
In the context of private parking in the UK, a Trade Association is an organisation that represents private parking companies and sets industry rules and standards. There are two trade associations for the private parking sector:
British Parking Association (BPA)
-
The BPA runs the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS), meaning its members must follow the sector single Code of Practice.
-
If you get a ticket from a BPA member, you can appeal to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) after your initial appeal to the parking company.
International Parking Community (IPC)
-
The IPC has its own Accredited Operator Scheme (AOS) meaning its members must follow the sector single Code of Practice.
-
If you get a ticket from an IPC member, you can appeal to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), after your initial appeal to the parking company.
Why Do Trade Associations Matter?
-
Only parking companies that belong to the BPA or IPC can legally request your details from the DVLA to issue tickets.
-
Their codes of practice set standards on signage, grace periods, and appeal procedures.
-
Trade Associations also lobby government on behalf of their members.
Unfair Parking Charge
If you think your parking charge isn’t fair:
1. Get advice before you appeal – ask our chatbot.
2. If you decide to appeal, you have to appeal to the parking company first.
3. If your appeal is rejected, you can then appeal to an independent appeals service. The parking company will explain how to do this.