What is the IPC?
The International Parking Community (IPC) is a DVLA Accredited Trade Association (ATA) representing organisations in the parking industry from both the public and private sectors. As a trade association and lobby group for industry professionals, the IPC's accreditation by the DVLA allows its Accredited Operator Scheme (AOS) members to access DVLA registered keeper data to enforce parking charges. Members must comply with the sector Code of Practice. The IPC regularly audits its member’s signs, sites and appeals.
We ensure our members uphold standards when they install signage to inform motorists how to be compliant and subsequently when pursuing non-compliant motorists. This includes mandating access to an independent adjudicator should the motorist wish to appeal a parking charge.
The IPC has several parking schemes for the highest of standards. These are: ParkProtect and AAPP. The IPC has an independent appeals service, this is the Independent Appeals Service (IAS).
Please note: The IPC are a Trade Association, not a regulatory body. This means that whilst we will address concerns raised about our members’ working practices that are not in compliance with the Code of Practice, we will not deal with complaints about individual Parking Charge Notices. If you have a concern, appeal or complaint concerning a Parking Charge please contact the IAS.
Parking Charges
This is information on Parking Charges only. Parking Charges are issued by the private parking sector on private land. Examples of this are Supermarkets, Hospitals and Residential Parking. How you pay a Parking Charge depends on who issued it, and if they are accredited. You have limited time to pay or appeal, an early payment reduction is available if paid within 14 days. If you pay the parking charge, you lose your ability to appeal.
Is the parking company accredited?
Private parking companies (operator) should be a member of an Accredited Trade Association (ATA). This means the parking company (operator) must follow the sector’s Code of Practice. The Code does things like cap the amount a parking charge can be ( EG £100), mandate clear signage and ensure there is an independent appeals service.
If the operator is not accredited by the International Parking Community (IPC) or the British Parking Association (BPA) proceed with caution. Parking companies that are not accredited do not have to follow a Code of Practice, and they do not have access to DVLA data. We advise not sharing personal details with them.
How long do I have to pay or appeal?
Stage 1
Up to 14 days
You have up to 14 days from the date of issue to pay at a 40% reduction (EG: £100 down to £60). If you choose to appeal at this stage, you maintain the ability to pay at a reduced rate should you lose your appeal. You should allow time for postage if you use that method.
NOTE: If you appeal at this stage, you have the ability to pay at the reduced amount for a further 14 days
Stage 2
15 days up to 28 days
On day 15 the full amount of the parking charge is due. If you wish to appeal, you should do this within 28 days.
Stage 3
29+ Days
If you have ignored the parking charge up to this point, it will likely be sent to a company to recover the parking charge. This company may add a “Debt Recovery Fee” of up to £70 to the total. You have also lost the ability to appeal.
In summary
As soon as the Parking Charge is issued you have:
- 14 days to pay at a reduced rate
- 28 days to pay at the full rate or appeal
- Day 29+ A “Debt Recovery Fee” of up to £70 is added to the total.
How to Appeal
Step 1. Review the notice:
Carefully read the parking charge notice to understand the alleged contravention, the timeframe to appeal, the amount due, reduced rate timeframes and the payment deadline. The notice will also state that the parking charge was issued on private land.
Step 2. Check the operator is accredited:
If the operator is not accredited by the International Parking Community (IPC) or the British Parking Association (BPA) proceed with caution.
Step 3. Gather evidence:
Ensure you gather as much evidence as you can. Pictures of signage, proof of payment, images of faded markings or proof of a medical emergency.
Step 4. Appeal to the operator:
First, appeal to the operator who issued you the parking charge notice. Their name and how to appeal will be on the parking charge notice. If appealed within 14 days, you are still eligible for the 40% discount. Once appealed, the clock is frozen, and the operator has 28 days to respond.
Step 5. Independent adjudicator:
If not satisfied after appealing to the operator, you can then appeal to an independent adjudicator. For the IPC this is the IAS, for the BPA this is POPLA. You are no longer eligible for the 40% discount.
Understand Outcomes:
When you appeal, the parking charge might be cancelled, reduced to £20 if mitigating circumstances are accepted, or upheld, requiring full payment. If your appeal is rejected, you must pay within 28 days to avoid additional charges. Failure to pay could result in further action, including potential court proceedings.
Motorist Toolkit
Find our motorist toolkit to find information on how to avoid receiving a parking charge, key timelines and FAQ's to help you through the appeals process
What is the IAS?
The Independent Appeals Service (IAS) is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution entity pursuant to the European Directive on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) (2013/11/EU). It was created to provide a truly independent review on the lawfulness of parking charges that are imposed by private companies. Adjudicators have no links or relationships with parking companies in any capacity. The IAS deals with appeals of parking charges issued by members of the International Parking Community (IPC).
FAQs
Can I appeal after I pay?
No. If you want to appeal, then you must do this before you pay. If you have already paid, but want to appeal, it is up to the discretion of the operator.
What if I don’t pay?
An escalation of a Debt Recovery fee is added, and you could be taken to court and even get a CCJ.
I think my parking charge isn’t fair
If you think your parking charge isn’t fair, or issued in error, you should first appeal to the operator. You can then appeal to the independent adjudicator. For members of the IPC, this is the Independent Appeals Service. (link)
I appealed my parking charge
If you appeal your parking charge to an operator, they have 28 days to respond.
If you do not hear back, do not assume that the charge has been cancelled. Please follow up with the operator prior to the 28 days.
Has my parking charge been concluded
How do you know if your parking charge has been concluded? Never assume that a parking charge has been concluded; always check with the parking company, unless you have a clear written letter concluding the parking charge.
Can I complain to the IPC about a parking Operator?
Yes you can. However, complaints must be lodged with the parking operator in the first instance. When lodging your complaint with the parking company remember to ask for the complaint reference number and anything that will make it easier for the IPC to investigate if the matter is not resolved satisfactory with the parking company.
I am unhappy with the practices of a parking operator and I want to make a complaint to the IPC
Before you complain to the IPC you must first complain to the parking operator following their documented process. Once you have received a response and if you remain unhappy you can complain further to the IPC.
To complain to the IPC simply click on the following link https://portal.theipc.info/login/complaints, you will first need to create a user account then you can select the ‘submit complaint’ option.
Within this section you will be prompted to select the parking operator that your complaint relates to, the parking charge number, the subject and the basis of your complaint. Once you press submit, this will be sent to the complaints department at the IPC. All complaints will be acknowledged within 10 working days and concluded within 20 working days, unless extra time is needed and as such you will be updated.
HELP! Technical Issues (IPC)
If you are having technical issues with the portal please reach out to: contact@theipc.info. If your parking charge number is not recognised, please reach out to the operator.
HELP! Technical Issues (IAS)
If you are having any issues with the IAS website, or your parking charge number isn’t recognised, please visit the FAQ section of their website (LINK) .
247Advice
Want help navigating a parking charge? 247Advice.co.uk is full of information, This website make it easy to understand your rights, whether you want to appeal, pay, or just figure out what happens next. The step-by-step guides break it all down, so you know exactly where you stand. Just simple, helpful advice to take the stress out of figuring out what to do about a parking charge.
Schemes, Bodies & Further Information
Private Parking Scrutiny & Advice Panel (PPSAP)
The Sector Single Code of Practice is overseen by The Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP). An independent panel that was created in January 2025. The purpose of the panel is to create impartial oversight over the private parking Code of Practice, ensuring the Code raises standards for consumers.
Accredited Airport Parking Provider (AAPP)
The IPC Accredited Airport Parking Provider (AAPP) scheme has been created in collaboration with airports, industry and consumers and is a key part of raising standards for those organisations that are operating airport meet & greet and park & ride services.
Millions of people each year use airports throughout the country to travel for family holidays, weekend escapes, business trips, visiting family and friends. Many passengers will drive their own vehicle to their selected airport and will utilise a variety of parking options to keep their vehicle safe and secure whilst they are away from home. The AAPP scheme will ensure that organisations providing meet & greet and park & ride services meet the highest industry standards, providing a service that passengers can trust and rely on.
To become an AAPP, providers have to pass a thorough certification process prior to achieving certification against the scheme. They are then subject to ongoing scrutiny to ensure that the service that they offer continue to meet the requirements of the scheme, and therefore the requirements of passengers.
247Advice
Want help navigating a parking charge?
247Advice.co.uk is full of information, This website make it easy to understand your rights, whether you want to appeal, pay, or just figure out what happens next. The step-by-step guides break it all down, so you know exactly where you stand. Just simple, helpful advice to take the stress out of figuring out what to do about a parking charge.
