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This may also be helpful for people on here to read as this was what the POPLA Assessor outlined as a summary of the case:
"The appellant has provided a detailed account of events. For the purpose of my report, I have summarised the grounds into the following points and have checked each point before coming to my conclusion. The appellant says that: 1. Non-compliance with PoFA 2012 – paragraphs 9(2)(e)(i) and 9(2)(f). 2. Notice not ‘given’ within 14 days. 3. Unclear and insufficient signage in the dark. 4. Failure to consider Equality Act 2010 obligations. 5. Driver not identified – Keeper liability not established. 6. No evidence of landowner authority. The appellant reiterated their version of events in the motorist’s comments section. Assessor summary of reasons"

It just gives a useful overview that I hope others on here can benefit from. Thanks again!

Thank you, thank you. I have now submitted that and will keep the forum posted. It is so easy to get blindsided and panicked by the amount of wording, documents and so called 'evidence' they produce. I know it is all to overwhelm and encourage you to 'cave' and just pay the money to make it go away.
I have stepped back, taken a moment, reminded myself that it is all about these awful companies making easy money off the back of people going about their day, who have simply overstayed or not spotted a parking fee sign.
Your help is once again hugely appreciated.

HI there, I have had the dreaded response from Popla asking for responses to the Operators response to the appeal. Parking eye's response is 33 pages long! Shows all the Max 1.5 hr Parking Signs on a map of the MacDonalds site, copies of all correspondence between us including Privacy request, Authorisation for me to act on sons behalf etc etc.
Obviously I don't want to dump 33 pages of this on here as it is a repeat of all the emails I have sent, and their responses along with the POPLA process I needed to follow.
The POPLA appeal gives me 1 week to provide comments on the Operators response, which is basically everything they have already sent and saying signs were there, the notice was sent, the acknowledgement of change of address on V5 forms sorted, me being the contact was confirmed etc etc.

I would be enormously grateful for help in how to 'respond to the operator' with my comments which must be in by 26th June. Let me know if you needs to see any of the documents.

I am about to submit the appeal and the only attachment is the Letter of Consent, other than that, it is exactly the wording above. Out of interest, if the appeal is rejected by POPLA, what can be done next? Is there another avenue? At the end of the day, I am all in with seeing this through as I am sick to death of these awful companies hounding law abiding, busy, ordinary people who are just going about their day trying to scrape a living and get on, with threatening, misleading demands for ridiculously huge amounts of money for 'crime' of parking in their car park. If we lose, so be it, it will have cost time and a fine that I can't imagine is much more than what they demand anyway. Again, thank you so much for the expertise and hand holding. Shall I just press go or is there anything else I can add in to the appeal that occurs to anyone?

Thank you, I think your reference to it in the wording of the appeal is what I will stick with and therefore not include the photo at this time, I shall send the appeal then and thank you, I shall keep you posted.

Hi. I have made a couple of small adjustments to the above response you have kindly put together for me and wanted to share it for critiquing. I have a Word document with the two photos of the MacDonalds car park I have got from Google Maps that I can upload but cannot quite remember how to do it, I do apologise.
Thank you for your input in advance:

I am submitting this appeal on behalf of the registered keeper, who has a recognised disability that affects their executive functioning and ability to manage correspondence. Due to these circumstances, a Letter of Authority was submitted to ParkingEye during the initial appeal. This was accepted by the operator, who has since continued to correspond with me as the keeper’s authorised representative. From that point onward, ParkingEye were fully aware that a vulnerable person was involved and should have acted in accordance with their obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Their failure to consider or apply any reasonable adjustments must weigh heavily against them in this appeal.

The notice to keeper fails to comply with paragraph 9(2)(e)(i) and 9(2)(f) of Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. It does not invite the keeper to pay the unpaid charge and does not contain the required wording to transfer liability to the keeper. As a result, the operator cannot rely on PoFA to pursue the keeper.

The notice to keeper was not deemed given within 14 days, as required under paragraph 9(5). It was sent to an old address and only received after being redirected. The presumption under PoFA that a notice is deemed delivered two working days after posting has been rebutted in this case. The operator must prove when the notice was actually received.

The signage at this site has not always been there as can be seen in the photos below taken from Google Maps where the first one does not show any signage and the one below that shows the sign is there but with no indication of where or how to pay, just that there is further signage in the car park somewhere. The Driver is not a regular visitor so therefore did not know to look for signs that were not originally there in previous visits, particular when it was dark, after 10.40pm and lighting was not particularly good and there was no visible payment machine or prominent PAY HERE signage to alert the driver that any action was required beyond parking and entering the restaurant. There appears to only be one other sign which is small and with no obvious means of where to pay. The operator is put to strict proof that signage was clear, conspicuous, and met the BPA Code of Practice standards.

On top of which, the driver is disabled and has diagnosed ADHD and mental health conditions that affect time perception, spatial awareness and attention. The operator failed to consider their duty under the Equality Act 2010 to anticipate and make reasonable adjustments, such as prominent and clear signage inside the MacDonalds restaurant, warning patrons of the need to restrict their stay to within 90 minutes, and how to pay if they planned to stay over 90 minutes or risk receiving a parking fine. This is not a discretionary matter. It is a legal obligation.

The driver has not been identified. The operator cannot rely on PoFA because the notice is non-compliant and was not delivered within the required timeframe. No liability can be transferred to the keeper.

The operator is put to strict proof of a valid, unredacted contract with the landowner that was in effect at the time of the alleged contravention and permits them to issue and enforce parking charges in their own name at this specific site. A witness statement or site agreement with a managing agent is not sufficient. Only the landowner or a party with legal standing to authorise enforcement can grant such authority.

I therefore, on behalf of the registered Keeper of the vehicle ask all the above points to be taken into consideration and the parking charge issued by ParkingEye for a stay of less than 210 minutes in a MacDonalds car park be dismissed, where the Driver had purchased a meal and stayed to eat it, having been made unaware by the restaurant staff that there was a maximum stay of 90 minutes, or a clear sign about how to pay if staying over that time.

Kind regards,

And here is the Popla appeals part of it:
02 June 2025
Reference: Parking Charge Notice - 588456/770105
POPLA Ref: 6061535201
The quickest and easiest way to submit your
appeal is online. This usually takes 15 minutes.
Simply visit www.popla.co.uk to get started

Grounds for appeal
The grounds under which you can appeal a parking charge notice are:
1. My vehicle was stolen.
2. I wasn’t improperly parked.
3. The amount requested on the parking charge notice isn’t correct.
4. I wasn’t the driver or the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the alleged
improper parking (not valid for Scotland or Northern Ireland appeals)
5. Extreme circumstances prevented me from parking correctly.
6. Other
How to appeal to POPLA
Once you’ve appealed directly to the Operator about your Parking Charge Notice, they’ll give
you a 10-digit verification code that enables you to bring your appeal to us. You must use
this within 28 days of the date of the Operator’s rejection notice.
The quickest and easiest way to submit your appeal is online at www.popla.co.uk. The
benefits to submitting your appeal online include:
 The process begins immediately and takes 15 minutes.
 You can manage and track the status of your appeal online.
 You’re able to instantly upload supporting information and view what the Operator
submits.
 You’ll get a faster decision.
 Reduce your carbon footprint by going paperless.
If you’d prefer to submit your appeal to us by post, please use the enclosed form. The
completed form and copies (not originals) of all supporting information (i.e. photographs or
documents) need to reach us within 28 days of the Operator issuing their notice of rejection.
We recommend getting a certificate of posting when you send your submission. Please be
aware that nothing you send us can be returned.
Late appeals can only be considered in exceptional circumstances, at the Assessors
discretion. We’ll need you to include a clear explanation of why your appeal is late, either on
the form or on a separate sheet. We’ll also need copies of any supporting information, the
Operator’s rejection notice, and the envelope it was in (if it was posted).
Appeals about parking charges issued in Scotland or Northern Ireland
We can now accept appeals relating to Parking Charge Notices issued in Scotland and
Northern Ireland, if you’re:
 The driver of the vehicle and the person who received the Parking Charge Notice, or
 Appealing on behalf of the driver who received the Parking Charge Notice.
If you’re appealing on behalf of the driver/ registered keeper, please include a letter from
them authorising you to act on their behalf.
If you require additional help and support
We’re happy to provide additional support to anybody who needs it. Please contact us by
phone where you’d find that helpful.

Hello again,
I have received the expected response from ParkingEye with the Popla reference number and could really do with some help on next steps if possible. A copy of the response is below, naturally offering us a 'final chance' to pay the 'reduced' parking fine of £60 if paid within the next 14 days.
I apologise if this has been answered before but what do I need to do next? I do not want to get any part of this wrong, and give these people any wriggle room. My son is prepared to hold out, but I have to do all the writing and emailing as he is unable to manage this.
Parkingeye Ltd, PO Box 117, Blyth, NE24 9EJ
02 June 2025
Reference: Parking Charge Notice - 588456/770105
POPLA Ref: 6061535201
Dear Sir / Madam,
We are writing in relation to the Parking Charge incurred on 01 April 2025 at 00:29, at
McDonald's Crossbush Service Station, Littlehampton car park.
Parkingeye have previously requested further evidence in response to the appeal that
was submitted and provided 28 days for this to be sent to us. The 28-day period has now
passed, and we are not in receipt of any further correspondence or evidence to confirm
that the terms were not breached.
Parkingeye are a member of the British Parking Association and can confirm that there is
adequate signage outlining the terms and conditions at this site.
We are writing to advise you that your appeal has been unsuccessful and that you have
now reached the end of our internal appeals procedure.
If you wish to have your case independently assessed, please be advised, there is an
independent appeals service (POPLA) which is available to motorists who have had an
appeal rejected by a British Parking Association Approved Operator. Contact information
and further information can be found enclosed. See also www.popla.co.uk
By law we are also required to inform you that Ombudsman Services (www.ombudsmanservices.org/) provides an alternative dispute resolution service that would be competent
to deal with your appeal. However, we have not chosen to participate in their alternative
dispute resolution service. As such should you wish to appeal then you must do so to
POPLA, as explained above.
Please note, if the Parking Charge was issued in Scotland/Northern Ireland, only the
driver can appeal to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals).
As a gesture of goodwill, we have extended the discount period for a further 14 days from
the date of this correspondence. If you appeal to POPLA, you will not be able to pay the
discounted amount in settlement of the Parking Charge, and the full value of the charge
will be outstanding. In addition, if your appeal to POPLA is unsuccessful, you will no
longer be able to pay the discounted amount and the full value of the charge will be due.
A payment can be made by telephoning 0330 555 4444, by visiting
www.parkingeye.co.uk/payments or alternatively by posting a cheque/postal order to
Parkingeye Ltd, PO Box 117, Blyth, NE24 9EJ. Please ensure you write your reference
number on the reverse of any cheque/postal order so the payment can be allocated.
Parkingeye Limited, 40 Eaton Avenue, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7NA, Registered in England, Registration No. 5134454
If you have received this correspondence via email, please allow 24 hours for our
systems to reflect the discounted value before making a payment via our automated
payment line or website.
Yours faithfully,
Parkingeye Team
POPLA administered by The Ombudsman Service Limited
Registered Office: POPLA, PO Box 1270, Warrington, WA4 9RL. Registered in England and Wales.
Company registration number: 4351294 VAT registration number: 798 3441 79
The quickest and easiest way to submit your
appeal is online. This usually takes 15 minutes.
Simply visit www.popla.co.uk to get started.
Grounds for appeal
The grounds under which you can appeal a parking charge notice are:
1. My vehicle was stolen.
2. I wasn’t improperly parked.
3. The amount requested on the parking charge notice isn’t correct.
4. I wasn’t the driver or the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the alleged
improper parking (not valid for Scotland or Northern Ireland appeals)
5. Extreme circumstances prevented me from parking correctly.
6. Other
How to appeal to POPLA
Once you’ve appealed directly to the Operator about your Parking Charge Notice, they’ll give
you a 10-digit verification code that enables you to bring your appeal to us. You must use
this within 28 days of the date of the Operator’s rejection notice.
The quickest and easiest way to submit your appeal is online at www.popla.co.uk. The
benefits to submitting your appeal online include:
 The process begins immediately and takes 15 minutes.
 You can manage and track the status of your appeal online.
 You’re able to instantly upload supporting information and view what the Operator
submits.
 You’ll get a faster decision.
 Reduce your carbon footprint by going paperless.
If you’d prefer to submit your appeal to us by post, please use the enclosed form. The
completed form and copies (not originals) of all supporting information (i.e. photographs or
documents) need to reach us within 28 days of the Operator issuing their notice of rejection.
We recommend getting a certificate of posting when you send your submission. Please be
aware that nothing you send us can be returned.
Late appeals can only be considered in exceptional circumstances, at the Assessors
discretion. We’ll need you to include a clear explanation of why your appeal is late, either on
the form or on a separate sheet. We’ll also need copies of any supporting information, the
Operator’s rejection notice, and the envelope it was in (if it was posted).
POPLA administered by The Ombudsman Service Limited
Registered Office: POPLA, PO Box 1270, Warrington, WA4 9RL. Registered in England and Wales.
Company registration number: 4351294 VAT registration number: 798 3441 79
Appeals about parking charges issued in Scotland or Northern Ireland
We can now accept appeals relating to Parking Charge Notices issued in Scotland and
Northern Ireland, if you’re:
 The driver of the vehicle and the person who received the Parking Charge Notice, or
 Appealing on behalf of the driver who received the Parking Charge Notice.
If you’re appealing on behalf of the driver/ registered keeper, please include a letter from
them authorising you to act on their behalf.
If you require additional help and support
We’re happy to provide additional support to anybody who needs it. Please contact us by
phone where you’d find that helpful.
POPLA administered by The Ombudsman Service Limited
Registered Office: POPLA, PO Box 1270, Warrington, WA4 9RL. Registered in England and Wales.
Company registration number: 4351294 VAT registration number: 798 3441 79
Grounds for Appeal and Supporting Evidence
Providing evidence can help to support your case. When completing the form, please only
select genuine grounds for appeal. Most successful parking appeals are made on the
following four grounds:
1. My car was stolen
 Your vehicle was improperly parked after being
stolen.
 This doesn’t include circumstances where the
vehicle owner has given another person (e.g. a
friend or family member) permission to drive their
vehicle.
 The fact that you told the driver they could only
use your vehicle if they didn’t get a parking ticket
is not grounds for appeal.
Supporting evidence may include:
 A valid Crime Reference Number
 Police reports
2. I wasn’t improperly parked
 The vehicle wasn’t parked where the parking notice
said it was.
 You were still within the time you paid for.
 You didn’t overstay the free parking allowed in the car
park.
 You paid the correct amount for parking.
 Your car parking ticket was clearly displayed.
 The terms and conditions of the car park weren’t
properly signed.
 You were parked in an area where you were free to
park.
 You complied with the terms and conditions on the
signage.
Supporting evidence may include:
 Evidence of payment, such as your parking ticket.
4. I was not the driver or registered keeper
at the time (not valid for Scotland or
Northern Ireland appeals)
 You bought the vehicle after the alleged improper
parking.
 You sold the vehicle before the alleged improper
parking.
 You hired a car but weren’t the hirer at the time of the
alleged improper parking.
 You weren’t the driver at the time of the alleged
improper parking.
 You provided the drivers details, but the parking
operator continued to pursue you.
Supporting evidence may include:
 A copy of the V5C for the vehicle
 A copy of your hire agreement
 A copy of your communication with the parking
operator informing them of the driver’s details
4
3. The amount requested on the
parking charge notice is incorrect
 You’ve already paid your parking charge.
 You’re being asked to pay the wrong amount.
Supporting evidence may include:
 Evidence that you’ve paid your parking charge
and the date you paid.
 Evidence to demonstrate why you believe the
parking charge is incorrect.
POPLA administered by The Ombudsman Service Limited
Registered Office: POPLA, PO Box 1270, Warrington, WA4 9RL. Registered in England and Wales.
Company registration number: 4351294 VAT registration number: 798 3441 79
Further Information
POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) is the UK’s largest private parking appeals
scheme, handling appeals about parking operators that belong to the British Parking
Association (BPA). Since 2015, POPLA has been operated by independent, not-for-profit
dispute resolution business, Flexible Resolution Services.
Our role is to review the information and evidence provided, to make an impartial decision on
whether a parking charge notice has been issued correctly.
We consider appeals against relevant parking charge notices issued in England and Wales.
We’re also able to consider relevant parking charges issued in Scotland and Northern
Ireland where the person appealing has received a parking charge notice and is the driver.
Receive your verification number.
When a Parking Operator rejects a motorist’s appeal, they should send a 10-digit verification
code with their rejection notice, enabling the motorist to use the POPLA service. If it’s not
been provided, you should request this from the Operator.
Prepare to share your evidence.
Providing additional information and copies of evidence can help to support a successful
appeal. This might include: a crime reference number (if the vehicle was stolen),
photographs (if you think the signage was inadequate), your pay and display voucher (if you
say it was displayed and had not expired) or any witness statements if applicable.
Submit your appeal.
Once you’ve completed the form and copied any supporting evidence, you can submit your
appeal by post. We must receive this within 28 days of the Operator issuing their rejection
notice. Please get a certificate of posting when you send it.
The Assessor will consider all of the information and evidence provided by both parties
alongside the BPA Code of Practice to determine whether your appeal should be allowed or
refused.
If the Assessor determines that you’re liable for the parking charge, they’ll refuse your
appeal. Conversely, if they determine that you’re not liable for it, they’ll allow your appeal.
About us
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