Britannia Parking

What is a Parking Fine Notice?

A PFN sounds similar to the tickets issued by councils, which are known as Penalty Charge Notifications (PCNs). However, a PFN and a PCN are not the same. But while the PCN is a fine that can be enforced debt recovery if unpaid, The PFN is actually an invoice. Although the way the PFN is often presented does not give that impression!

If you do not pay the ticket, it cannot affect your credit record and the issuers cannot send bailiffs to recover the money. If they want to force you to pay, they will need to take you to court, which is costly and time-consuming.

What they are sending you is an invoice for a breach of contract. When you drive onto private land or a car park, you enter into an unwritten contract. The issue is therefore a contractual, civil matter and not a criminal one.

Where could you receive a Parking Fine Notice?

If you have parked on private land, for example a road, car park, shopping centre, retail park or supermarket car park, then you could receive a Parking Fine Notice.

If you have paid and want to appeal

If you want to appeal your ticket but have already paid, then unfortunately it is too late. If you want to dispute the ticket, never use terms such as appeal, as you are creating legitimacy for the ticket. Instead, state that you would like to “dispute the ticket”.

Can you be clamped?

In 2012, clamping on private land was banned under the Protection of Freedom Act . In Scotland, the practice was banned in 1992. However, in Northern Ireland the right to clamp still exists.

Who is liable for the ticket?

In England and Wales, the owner is liable for the costs rather than driver of the car. Hired cars are the exception, as in the hire agreement you agree to be liable for ticket costs. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the driver is liable for the cost of the ticket.

How did they get hold of my personal details?

Accredited parking companies (members of either the British Parking Association (BPA) or the Independent Parking Committee (IPC)) are able to access your details from the DVLA.

Asked to pay at the time?

Do not pay if you are asked to pay at the time of the event. All legitimate firms will accept communications by post or email and will not expect you to pay on the spot.

What can you be charged?

The BPA recommends that any ticket should be less than £100. If you were taken to court, the firm will need to prove the costs are fair and reasonable under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999. It is reasonable to ask about street parking ticket charges.