Motorists heading away over the Bank Holiday weekend should “act quickly” to avoid being caught out by hefty fines, according to a leading consumer expert. The warning comes as millions of drivers are expected to hit the roads, with the RAC predicting around 20 million leisure trips over the weekend – potentially the highest volume of traffic since the RAC’s records began in 2015.
Expert Warns of Varying Car Park Rules
Consumer expert Emma Cochrane warned that road users enjoying the last throes of summer could put themselves at risk. In the excitement of getting away, drivers may assume they know the rules only to be hit with hefty penalties. Emma explained: “Not all car parks operate in the same way – even car parks at the same supermarket chain can have different rules. Some offer free parking but still require you to enter your details and validate your stay or face charges. Don’t get caught out.”
“If a payment machine isn’t working, your car breaks down, or another issue arises, take photos and keep receipts. These could be invaluable if you need to challenge a parking charge later,” she added.
Time Limits and Appeal Options
In England and Wales, road users typically have 28 days to challenge a Penalty Charge Notice issued by a council, according to GOV.UK. Grounds for challenging a ticket include unclear or missing signs, a broken payment machine or other genuine mitigating circumstances. Road users who challenge a fine within 14 days may only have to pay 50% of the fine, even if a challenge was rejected.
Motorists can send appeals over private parking tickets directly to the operator, or can escalate the issue to a trade body such as Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) or the Independent Appeals Service if a claim is rejected. Emma stressed that road users who wish to appeal a parking fine would have to “act quickly” in making their claim.
Emma said: “If you receive a parking charge notice and think it’s been issued incorrectly, act quickly. Drivers have the right to appeal but you must have evidence to get a charge cancelled or reduced. Even if you don’t plan to appeal, paying promptly usually means you can benefit from a lower charge.”
