How to Appeal a ParkingEye Ticket
Last updated: February 2026
ParkingEye runs car parks for Aldi, Morrisons, McDonald's, and hundreds of other sites across the UK. They issue millions of parking charges every year. If you've got one, this is what you can do about it.
What Is a ParkingEye Charge?
ParkingEye is a private company, not a council. Their "Parking Charge Notices" are not fines. They're invoices for what they claim is breach of contract (you parked and agreed to their terms on the signs).
The charge is usually between 60 and 100 pounds. If you don't pay or appeal within 28 days, it typically goes up.
The Appeal Process
Step 1: Appeal to ParkingEye Directly
Before you can go to POPLA, you need to appeal to ParkingEye first. You can do this:
- Online at parkingeyeappeals.co.uk
- By post to the address on your charge notice
Explain why you think the charge is wrong. Include any evidence (photos, receipts, witness statements). ParkingEye says they review appeals within 21 days, though it sometimes takes longer.
Step 2: POPLA Appeal (If Rejected)
If ParkingEye rejects your appeal, they'll send you a POPLA code. This lets you take your case to an independent adjudicator. It's free to use.
POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) reviews your evidence and ParkingEye's evidence, then makes a binding decision. If POPLA rules in your favour, the charge is cancelled. If not, you'll need to pay.
You have 28 days from when ParkingEye rejects your appeal to submit your POPLA case. Don't miss this deadline.
What Grounds Actually Work?
ParkingEye must follow the British Parking Association Code of Practice. If they broke these rules, POPLA will likely cancel your charge. These are the most successful grounds:
Signage Issues
Signs at the car park must be visible, readable, and clear about the terms. If signs were obscured, too small, faded, or confusing, photograph them. This is probably the strongest ground for appeal.
Under the BPA Code, ANPR car parks (where cameras read your plate) need signs at every entrance and throughout the car park. If these were missing or inadequate, you have a case.
Grace Periods
The BPA Code requires a "consideration period" before charges kick in. If you were only slightly over the time limit and this wasn't respected, mention it.
Camera/ANPR Errors
Sometimes the ANPR system misreads number plates or records incorrect times. If you have evidence (like a receipt showing when you actually paid), this can help.
Genuine Reasons for Overstaying
Medical emergencies, breakdowns, or issues caused by the store (like long queues) can be valid reasons. You'll need evidence, such as a doctor's note or breakdown service receipt.
Not the Driver
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the keeper (registered owner) is liable unless they name the actual driver. If you weren't driving and can identify who was, you can transfer liability to them.
What Doesn't Usually Work
Some arguments rarely succeed:
- "I was only 5 minutes over" (unless there's a grace period issue)
- "I didn't see the signs" (ignorance isn't a defence if signs were there)
- "The charge is too expensive" (courts ruled 85-100 pounds is reasonable in the Beavis case)
- "I'm a regular customer" (doesn't change the terms)
What If You Ignore It?
ParkingEye can take you to court. They do follow through on some cases, especially after the 2015 Supreme Court ruling (Beavis vs ParkingEye) confirmed that private parking charges are enforceable.
If it goes to court and you lose, you'll pay the charge plus court costs. Read more about what happens if you ignore a private parking ticket. This could be 200-300 pounds total.
That said, some people do ignore charges and never hear anything more. It's a gamble. If you have a genuine case for appeal, appealing properly is a safer route.
Timeline
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Appeal to ParkingEye | 28 days from charge |
| ParkingEye response | Usually 21-28 days |
| POPLA appeal | 28 days from rejection |
| POPLA decision | 6-8 weeks |
ParkingEye Contact Details
Appeals: parkingeyeappeals.co.uk
Phone: 0345 226 0283
Post: ParkingEye Ltd, Dimension Court, Knowsley, Liverpool, L34 1PJ
Need Help With Your ParkingEye Ticket?
Send us a photo on WhatsApp. We'll check if you have grounds to appeal and write your letter for you.
Check My TicketSummary
- ParkingEye charges are private invoices, not council fines
- Appeal to ParkingEye first, then POPLA if rejected
- Best grounds: signage problems, ANPR errors, grace period violations
- POPLA is free and independent
- Don't ignore it unless you're prepared for possible court action
Sources: British Parking Association Code of Practice, POPLA, Citizens Advice. Last updated February 2026.