Free Appeal Template

Heathrow Airport

I appeal as the registered keeper of the vehicle. I am not obliged to identify the driver and decline to do so.

1. APCOA Parking is unable to transfer the driver's liability (if any) to the keeper under Schedule 4 to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 ("POFA") because the drop-off zones at Heathrow Airport are not 'relevant land' as defined in POFA. Airport land subject to statutory control falls outside the scope of Schedule 4, and APCOA therefore has no basis on which to pursue the registered keeper.

Furthermore, as keeper I am entitled to all the defences available to the driver, including (without limitation) the following:

2. The parking charge is not notified until after the contract is entered into. Under the principles established by the Court of Appeal in Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking [1971] 2 QB 163, a term introduced after a contract has been formed does not become part of that contract. The charge therefore forms no part of any contract between the driver and APCOA.

3. The signage is not compliant with the BPA Code of Practice. The charging terms were not displayed clearly, prominently, or legibly at a point where the driver could have made an informed decision to avoid the zone before entering it. No valid contract was formed.

4. The vehicle was present in the drop-off zone for no more than 5 minutes. The driver is entitled to the 5-minute consideration period expressly mandated by the BPA Code of Practice, during which no charge may be levied.

5. The charge is not a genuine pre-estimate of loss and is therefore an unenforceable penalty at common law. APCOA has suffered no identifiable loss as a result of the vehicle's presence in the drop-off zone.

Any one of the above grounds is sufficient on its own to require cancellation of the PCN. I require this charge to be cancelled and invite APCOA to confirm cancellation in writing.

Paste into the online appeal form and fill in your case details

How to use this appeal template

1
Click "Copy template" above, the full appeal is copied to your clipboard.
2
Log into the operator's online appeal system (or open your PCN) and paste the template into the appeal text box.
3
Submit and wait for a decision. The operator must respond within 35 days.
4
If rejected, request your POPLA code and escalate to the free, independent adjudicator, operators lose the vast majority of cases on these grounds.

Heathrow drop-off charge appeal

Got a PCN for dropping someone off at Heathrow? It's highly likely you can cancel it. Use the free template above.

The charge

Heathrow uses ANPR cameras in its terminal drop-off zones.

The charge is £7 each time you enter a terminal drop-off zone. You must pay by midnight the following day.

The operator is APCOA.

This is a private parking charge. It is not a council fine.

Why you can appeal

Heathrow's terminal drop-off zones are on roads regulated by traffic orders and airport byelaws. This can affect whether the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 can be used to hold the keeper liable.

You do not need to name who was driving, nor do they have any right to ask. This means that they cannot enforce keeper liability, as they can only confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle - not the driver.

Other points can also help:

  • Unclear signs. Check whether the charge and its terms were clear before you entered the zone.
  • ANPR timing errors. Ask for the photos if the recorded entry or exit time looks wrong.
  • You were not in the zone. Compare the photos with the location shown on Heathrow's website.
  • Emergency or exceptional reasons. Explain what happened and include proof if you have it.
  • The charge was already paid. Include your payment confirmation.

Questions

How much is the Heathrow Airport drop-off charge in 2026?

£7 each time you enter a terminal drop-off zone. Heathrow's charge is £7 per visit. It applies each time you enter a terminal drop-off zone and is payable by midnight the following day.

Can I really appeal a Heathrow drop-off charge successfully?

Yes. Appeal to the operator using the instructions on your PCN. If your appeal is rejected, check whether the notice gives you access to POPLA.

What is POPLA and how do I use it?

POPLA is an independent appeals service for private parking charges. You normally need a POPLA verification code from the parking operator.

Will ignoring the charge make it go away?

Do not ignore it. The operator can take legal action to recover an unpaid charge.

I'm the registered keeper but wasn't driving, am I liable?

No. POFA keeper liability has specific rules and does not apply to every type of airport land. Check the land and the wording of your PCN before deciding what to do.

Will it hurt my credit score?

A PCN by itself is not a County Court Judgment. A CCJ can be recorded on the public register and can affect your ability to get credit.

Quick tips

  • Check the deadline. Use the date on your PCN.
  • Ask for the photos. They can show the vehicle location and ANPR times.
  • Keep proof. Save your appeal and any reply.
  • Do not ignore the PCN. Follow the appeal instructions on the notice.
  • Keep copies. Save the PCN, photos, appeal and response.

Sources

Heathrow's current charge is £7 per visit. It increased from £6 to £7 on 1 January 2026.

Disclaimer: AppealAirportPCN.co.uk is a free information resource for UK drivers. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. Templates are provided as a starting point, always review your specific circumstances. For complex cases, consider consulting a solicitor or Citizens Advice.