Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all, I, the registered keeper of a vehicle, received a parking charge through the post on Friday 3rd July 2026 for an alleged contravention on the 26th May 2026 from APCOA for the car being parked at a South Western Railway car park with no registered payment. It looks like this was administered by a person rather than cameras.

I have read the forum and I am unclear how to proceed as I believe there might have been some change to the law as of 1st January 2026 so previous methodologies might not be relevant? I could be wrong though!

Any advice if I should engage with APCOA on this, or do I just ignore? I'd rather not get tonnes of "debt" collection letters but am happy to do so if ignoring is the preferred option.

Thank you very much in advance!

Attached front and back of Parking charge from APCOA and a notice that is displayed in the car park in question: HERE.

Thank you very much for your quick reply.

I shall just ignore then, unless anyone else has a view on this.

Edit: Just seen your edit about the law change at end of 2025, useful, thank you.

Also, is there a length of time that the risk becomes lower? 6 months?

Yes.
Six years.
Again, you’re thinking of the previous regime in which Penalty Charge Notices were issued (by APCOA, who didn’t have the right to do so, but overlook that) for criminal summary-only offences which have to be brought to the court within six months. That’s all changed now. Under civil law, prosecutions for breach of contract can be brought within six years.

See for the legislation change.

2.  At the end of paragraph 3(4) of Schedule 4 to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 insert “, but not byelaws made under section 219 of the Transport Act 2000(1) by the Strategic Rail Authority, confirmed under Schedule 20 of the Transport Act 2000 and preserved by section 46(4) of the Railways Act 2005(2)”.

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (Definition of Relevant Land) (Amendment) Order 2025

Made 27th November 2025
Coming into force 26th December 2025
The Secretary of State, in exercise of powers conferred by paragraph 16(1)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012(1) makes the following Order.

A draft of this instrument was laid before Parliament in accordance with paragraph 17(2) of Schedule 4 to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.