If a parking company rejects your first appeal, check the rejection letter before paying. You may be able to make a second appeal through POPLA, an independent appeals service. It is free to use.
What POPLA is
POPLA stands for Parking on Private Land Appeals. An assessor reviews information from you and the parking company and makes a decision on the appeal.
When POPLA allows an appeal, the parking company must follow that decision and cancel the charge. Check the current POPLA appeal guide for details about the process.
Who can use POPLA?
POPLA is generally available when the operator is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA). Check your PCN and rejection letter to see which trade body and appeal service apply.
If the operator belongs to the International Parking Community (IPC), its second-stage service is the Independent Appeals Service (IAS). The service and rules differ, so check the information on your notice.
Get your POPLA code
If a BPA-member operator rejects your appeal, its rejection should include a POPLA verification code. If you cannot find one, contact the operator and ask how to make your independent appeal.
How to submit
- Go to popla.co.uk.
- Enter the verification code from the rejection letter.
- Explain your grounds and upload any supporting evidence.
- Submit your appeal before the deadline shown in the rejection letter.
Check the deadline on your letter and the current POPLA instructions. Do not assume the same time limit applies to every appeal route.
What to include
Use the points that apply to your case. For example:
- The land may not be "relevant land" under POFA Schedule 4.
- The signs may not meet the BPA Code of Practice.
- The vehicle may have left within the five-minute consideration period.
- The charge may not have been shown before the contract was formed. Read about Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking.
Include relevant evidence, such as photos of signs, ANPR images, or a map of the approach road. Keep copies of everything you send.
How long it takes
POPLA will provide information about the expected timescale and send its decision when the assessment is complete. Check your email and the POPLA portal for updates.
If your appeal is not allowed
Read the decision and consider your options. POPLA is an alternative dispute process, not a court. If you are unsure what to do next, seek advice from a solicitor or Citizens Advice. Our guide explains what to expect after an appeal.
Sources
- POPLA, "Parking charges: understanding grace periods and appeal deadlines" (28-day deadlines; ten-digit code; no new grounds later; 21 days for the operator; seven days for you; do not pay first). Primary. POPLA
- POPLA home page (free and independent; successful appeal means no payment; operator must not pursue while appeal is with POPLA; decision cannot be reviewed; pay within 28 days if you lose). Primary. POPLA
- POPLA FAQs (28 days from rejection; code; operator provides a code only if you appealed within 28 days). Primary. POPLA FAQs
- POPLA, information for MPs (covers BPA members only; verification code needed). Primary. POPLA
- POPLA Annual Report 2023 appendix (target to issue most decisions within 55 days). Primary. POPLA Annual Report appendix (PDF)
- ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis [2015] UKSC 67, press summary (£85 charge not a penalty; "genuine pre-estimate of loss" unhelpful). Primary. Supreme Court press summary (PDF)