What responses to expect when you appeal an airport parking charge
One of the most common questions we hear from drivers is: "What will the operator actually say when they respond to my appeal?"
The uncertainty can feel daunting. Will they reject you outright? Will they offer a grudging discount? Will the letter itself give you clues about how to escalate further if needed?
This article shows you real examples of responses you're likely to receive, so you know what to expect, and what each type of response means for your next steps.
Response Type 1: Straightforward cancellation
The best possible outcome. Some operators cancel without any conditions or lengthy explanation. Here's a realistic example:
"Thank you for taking the time to contact us in regards to this notice. Based on the information provided, this notice has been cancelled and no further action is required."
What this means: Your appeal succeeded. The charge is gone. No further response is needed from you. The operator has acknowledged the merits of your case (whether that was signage issues, ANPR error, or POFA grounds) without necessarily itemizing them in their response.
Response Type 2: Cancellation with discretionary language
Some operators cancel your charge but frame it as a discretionary gesture, and may include comments about signage or terms and conditions. This is still a successful outcome, but the tone differs. Here's a realistic example:
"In your appeal you have explained that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle and declined the invitation to provide us with the full name and address of the driver.
On this occasion we are prepared to exercise our discretion and have now cancelled this Parking Charge but must inform you that the terms and conditions in this location advise the driver that they must pay for each visit to the site. Signage is displayed at the approach to this drop off area, along the location and upon exit, advising all motorists that a payment to use the drop off area is required to be made online or by phone. As stated above, the terms and conditions of using the drop-off zones are displayed by way of clear signage. It is the responsibility of the motorist to read and comply with the signage on site."
What this means: Your appeal has succeeded, the charge is cancelled. However, the operator is simultaneously asserting that their signage was adequate and that drivers are responsible for understanding the terms. This language is sometimes included to discourage future appeals or to avoid admitting fault.
Important note: The cancellation is still final and binding, regardless of the tone of the response. The operator cannot later revive the charge or use this language to argue that your grounds were invalid. The charge is gone.
Response Type 3: Rejection with legal reasoning
Some operators will reject your appeal and provide written reasons why they believe your grounds are unfounded. This is extremely rare on airport grounds, the vast majority of operators either cancel or withdraw the charge rather than risk escalation to POPLA.
What this means: The operator has declined your appeal. If you do receive a rejection, this is not the end of your case, it is the signal to escalate to POPLA.
Why rejections are unlikely: Operators know that POPLA adjudicators consistently uphold appeals on airport grounds, particularly where POFA or signage arguments are properly applied. The legal framework is heavily in favour of drivers on statutory land. Most operators avoid the risk and expense of POPLA escalation by cancelling at the first stage.
Your next step: Request the POPLA verification code from the operator (they are legally required to provide it under BPA Code of Practice). You then submit your appeal at POPLA (popla.co.uk) for free, where an independent adjudicator will assess the merits of the operator's reasoning. You are far more likely to succeed at POPLA than the operator is at first stage.
How long should you expect to wait for a response?
Under the BPA Code of Practice, operators are required to respond to appeals within 35 calendar days of receipt. In practice, responses often come within 2-4 weeks.
If you do not receive a response within 35 days, you are entitled to escalate to POPLA without waiting further, on the basis that the operator has failed to respond within the required timeframe.
What if you don't hear back?
If 35 days pass without a response:
- You do not need to send follow-up letters or make phone calls
- You can proceed directly to POPLA and cite the operator's failure to respond as grounds in itself
- POPLA will take account of the non-response in their decision
Summary: what to expect
| Response Type | What It Means | Your Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward cancellation | Appeal succeeded; charge is gone | None, end of case |
| Cancellation with defensive language | Appeal succeeded; operator is asserting their position for future reference | None, end of case; the tone has no legal effect |
| Rejection with reasoning | Operator has declined; extremely rare on airport grounds; formal appeal is over | Request POPLA code and escalate (free, independent stage; you're likely to succeed) |
| No response after 35 days | Operator has breached BPA Code of Practice timeframe | Go straight to POPLA; cite non-response |