Do I have to pay for private parking tickets and who can issue them?

AN estimates around 22,000 parking fines are issued daily by private companies in the UK to unsuspecting motorists.

These fees will be capped at £50 for minor breaches of the new government schemes.

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Do I have to pay for a private parking ticket?

Unfortunately for your bank account you must pay private parking ticket or you can go to civil court.

Also known as Parking Fee Notices (PCNs), these notices issued if you overstay are welcome on private land.

they are not a police fine so you’re not looking at jail time but a breach of contract.

The new rules will limit the cost of these to £50 for minor breaches, although it could go up to £70 or £100 for more serious breaches.

If you pay within 14 days, you can get 50% off the fee.

There are other new restrictions on private companies to reduce costs and make things fairer for motorists.

Restrictions include the prohibition of excessive late toll collection and instructions that all signs should be clearer.

There will also be an extension of 10 minutes before a late penalty can be introduced.

Private companies will also have to give drivers 5 minutes to change their mind about parking there.

Who can issue a private parking ticket?

Any private property that provides space for parking can be granted a PCN.

This includes supermarkets, who will often give shoppers 2 to 3 hours to park.

Pass this stage and you may be fined, although some will fire you if you are a first time offender and a regular customer.

Controversial hospital parking fees also count towards this type of private fine.

Promotions Minister Neil O’Brien said: “Private companies issue around 22,000 parking tickets a day, often using misleading and confusing signage, aggressive debt collection and illegal charges. The system is designed to extort money from motorists.

“[Our] The new Code of Practice will lay out a clear vision with the interests of safe drivers at its heart, while cracking down on the worst offenders. “

Can I claim a private parking ticket?

You can appeal all parking tickets but you have to act fast.

The government also said it was aiming to make it easier to buy tickets.

For example, if you purchased a ticket but it is not displayed correctly, under the applicable rules this will not be enough to dismiss the message.

Look at the facts and circumstances surrounding your fine and ask yourself if you’re breaking the rules.

If so, it’s better to pay your fine and get a discount quickly than to fight it out in court – most private companies assume this is the route motorists should take.

The notice will have instructions for making a complaint, and if you think the sign is unclear or misleading, you can fight the notice.

Making your case clear, including pictures if possible, sometimes sending a check to cover parking costs can be a helpful gesture of goodwill.

Whether you pay or appeal, just make sure you respond or you could end up in court.