Hi all,
I'm looking for some advice on the best way to challenge a Parking Charge Notice issued by ParkingEye.
The charge relates to a Home Bargains car park. The driver entered the car park after 4pm on a Sunday, noticed that the store was closed and that parking was only permitted until 4pm, and immediately left.
The PCN states:
* Time in Car Park: 0 hours 0 minutes
* Arrival Time: 10/05/2026 18:06:33
* Departure Time: 10/05/2026 18:06:48
According to ParkingEye's own evidence, the vehicle was on site for just 15 seconds. The driver did not park, leave their vehicle, or occupy a parking space. The driver simply entered, realised the store was closed and that parking restrictions applied, and drove straight back out.
The PCN states:
> "The signage states that, as a maximum stay car park, a Parking Charge is applicable if the vehicle remains within the car park for longer than the 0 hours 0 minutes max stay time. The signage also contains further terms and conditions associated with this car park by which those who park in the car park agree to be bound."
However, the signage on site states a maximum stay of 1 hour. The operating hours are displayed in much smaller text, requiring drivers to get much closer to read them. More importantly, there is no realistic way for a driver to read the full terms and conditions without first entering the car park.
The signage appears to prohibit parking outside certain hours, not entry into the car park itself. As ParkingEye's evidence shows the driver was present for only 15 seconds, I do not believe it is reasonable to suggest that the driver parked at all. In fact, the timestamps clearly demonstrate that there was insufficient time for the driver to park and leave the vehicle.
The driver appealed directly to ParkingEye, but they rejected the appeal, stating:
> "We have reviewed the details outlined in your appeal, but we are not in receipt of sufficient evidence to confirm that the terms and conditions were not breached. The car park signage states that parking is not permitted during certain restricted hours, as specified on site."
My questions are:
* Is there any point attempting to appeal to ParkingEye again, or should The driver now proceed to POPLA?
* Given that The driver was only on site for 15 seconds and did not park, do you think I have reasonable grounds for a successful appeal?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
