If you’ve received a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) from a private parking company and your initial appeal was rejected, you can escalate the appeal to the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) service.
POPLA is an independent body that reviews appeals from motorists who believe their PCNs were issued unfairly. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to appeal at POPLA.
What is POPLA?
POPLA is an independent appeals service established to handle disputes between motorists and private parking operators who are members of the British Parking Association (BPA). It’s free for motorists to use and offers a fair and impartial review of parking charge disputes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Appealing at POPLA
1. Receive a Notice of Rejection:
- Before you can appeal to POPLA, you must have appealed directly to the parking operator and received a Notice of Rejection. This notice should include a unique POPLA verification code.
2. Gather Evidence:
- Collect all relevant documents and evidence, including:
- The PCN
- The Notice of Rejection
- Photographs of the signage and location
- Copies of your initial appeal and any correspondence with the parking operator
- Any other supporting evidence (e.g., receipts, witness statements)
3. Understand the Grounds for Appeal:
- Some common grounds for appealing at POPLA include:
- Inadequate signage
- No breach of terms and conditions
- Mitigating circumstances
- The charge is disproportionate or not a genuine pre-estimate of loss
- The operator has no authority to issue and enforce PCNs on the land
4. Submit Your Appeal Online:
- Visit the POPLA website (https://www.popla.co.uk/) and click on “Submit an Appeal.”
- Enter your POPLA verification code and follow the instructions to complete the appeal form.
- Upload all relevant evidence and documents to support your case.
5. Write a Strong Appeal Statement:
- Clearly explain why you believe the PCN was issued unfairly. Be concise and focus on the facts. Address each point in the parking operator’s rejection letter and provide evidence to support your claims.
6. Submit and Wait for a Decision:
- Once you’ve submitted your appeal, POPLA will review your case and the evidence provided. This process can take several weeks. POPLA will notify you of their decision via email or post.
7. Review the Decision:
- If POPLA upholds your appeal, the parking operator must cancel the PCN. If your appeal is rejected, you will be required to pay the charge.
Tips for a Successful POPLA Appeal
- Be Thorough: Provide as much relevant evidence as possible to support your case.
- Be Clear and Concise: Focus on the key points and avoid lengthy, unnecessary details.
- Follow the Guidelines: Ensure you comply with all POPLA requirements and deadlines.
- Stay Professional: Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout your appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What if I don’t have a POPLA verification code?
- You can only appeal to POPLA if you have a verification code provided by the parking operator after your initial appeal was rejected.
2. How long does the POPLA appeal process take?
- The process can take several weeks. POPLA will inform you of their decision as soon as it is made.
3. Is there a fee to appeal at POPLA?
- No, the POPLA service is free for motorists.
4. What happens if my POPLA appeal is unsuccessful?
- If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will be required to pay the parking charge. The decision from POPLA is final and binding on the operator, but not on the motorist.
5. Can I appeal to POPLA if I didn’t appeal to the parking operator first?
- No, you must first appeal to the parking operator and receive a Notice of Rejection before you can escalate to POPLA.
By following these steps and tips, you can prepare a strong appeal to POPLA and increase your chances of getting your PCN cancelled. Good luck!