In the following cases, a parking ticket, whether issued by a private company or the local council, may be open to challenge:
- If relevant details in the 'Notice to Driver' are incorrect. This notice essentially forms the ticket which is normally affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle. It must contain certain details such as the alleged contravention and the registration number (see section 7(2) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 for full details).
- If relevant details in the 'Notice to Keeper' are incorrect. This notice is sent through the post to the owner of the vehicle and must contain certain details such as the alleged contravention and the registration number (see section 8(2) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 for full details).
- Parking signs were wrong or not visible - or the parking meter was broken.
- The car had been stolen or was owned by someone else at the time the ticket was issued.
- The fine is excessive (see typical fines).
- If the car was moved only a few minutes too late.
- There are other mitigating circumstances (eg there was an emergency such as taking an ill patient to Accident & Emergency).
See the Citizens Advice website for more details on circumstances in which parking tickets can be appealed.