If you’ve ever found a dreaded yellow slip on your windscreen, you’re not alone. But did you know there are different types of parking tickets—and that not all of them carry the same weight? Understanding what kind of ticket you’ve received can make a big difference in how you deal with it.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and Parking Charge Notices, what they mean, and what you should do if you receive one.
What's the Difference Between a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and a Parking Charge Notice?
At a glance, both types of tickets can look remarkably similar—often sporting a yellow box with black writing and a black border. But they’re not the same.
- Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued by local councils and carry legal weight.
- Parking Charge Notices are issued by private companies and are more like invoices than fines.
To spot the difference, you’ll need to read the small print carefully. Just because it looks official doesn’t mean it’s a council-issued fine.
Why Does It Matter?
Here’s the key difference:
- Councils have legal authority to issue fines for parking violations in public areas.
- Private companies do not. Their parking tickets are based on the idea that you’ve breached a contract by using their car park under specific terms.
This distinction is important because it affects how you can challenge the ticket—and whether you actually have to pay.
Why Are Parking Charge Notices Issued?
Private companies issue Parking Charge Notices when they believe a driver has breached a condition of using the car park. Common reasons include:
- Failing to enter your vehicle registration into a machine
- Not paying within a specified time frame
- Overstaying the allowed parking duration
How Much Is A Parking Charge Notice?
Parking Charge Notices are usually capped at £100, though many companies offer a discount if you pay within 14 days.
How Can I Appeal A Parking Ticket?
If you believe a parking ticket was issued unfairly, don’t rush to pay it. There are several in-depth online resources—like the RAC and MoneySavingExpert—that offer step-by-step advice for appealing both PCNs and Parking Charge Notices.
Got a Private Ticket? Here’s What to Check
Check if the company is a member of an accredited trade body like the British Parking Association (BPA) or the International Parking Community (IPC). This will determine whether you can escalate your complaint to an independent appeals service.
If you're planning to challenge a ticket, gather as much evidence as you can:
- Photos of poor or unclear signage
- Screenshots of broken payment machines
- Proof of mitigating circumstances (e.g., a receipt from a recovery company if your car broke down)
Can I Complain to Someone About My Parking Ticket?
Yes. If your Parking Charge Notice came from a private company and you think it’s unjust, consider:
- Contacting the landowner (e.g., the supermarket or hospital) to ask them to cancel the charge
- Writing to your MP if you believe there’s a broader issue with how parking enforcement is handled at the location
Do You Have To Pay Parking Fines?
Ignoring a Parking Charge Notice can be risky.
Some companies may take the matter to county court. If you lose and don’t pay the judgment, your credit rating could be affected, and bailiffs might be instructed to recover the money.
Whether it’s issued by a council or a private operator, no one likes getting a parking ticket. But understanding your rights—and the nature of the ticket—can help you make the right decision on what to do next.
Have you ever challenged a parking ticket successfully? Share your story in the comments below!
