Whether you are a driver in London or private hire driver – working with the likes of Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow – you will already be aware of how challenging it can be to navigate the city’s complicated parking rules.
From surprise PCNs (Penalty charge notices) to confusing signage, parking fines can quickly drain your earnings. At Rapid we’re aware of the frustration these fines can cause; but what if some of those fines could be avoided, or even overturned?
In this guide, we’ll uncover parking fine loopholes and appeal strategies that every driver or PCO driver in London should know.
Understanding Parking Fines in London
What Is a PCN and Why Do PCO Drivers Get Them?
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued for parking violations, bus lane infractions, and other road offences. For PCO drivers, common triggers include:
- Stopping in restricted zones while picking up passengers
- Parking in loading bays or red routes
- Misreading unclear signage
- Overstaying in permitted areas
These fines can range from £90 to £160, depending on the severity and location.
At Rapid PCO we understand that traffic signs can easily be missed, especially when you are following a map on your phone or driving at night.
We would always advise to try and keep a look out for any signs and road markings that you come across on your journeys.
To help you get a better understanding of what you need to look out for when you are driving around in London, check out our guide to understanding traffic signs as a PCO driver.
Parking Fine Loopholes That Could Save You Money
1. Poor Signage or Road Markings
If signs are damaged, missing, or unclear, you may have grounds to appeal. Councils must ensure signage is visible and compliant with regulations. This applies to both:
- Council-issued Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
- Private Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) under the updated Private Parking Code of Practice (effective from October 2024).
2. Faulty Parking Machines or Payment Apps
If a machine is broken or the app fails due to poor signal, take photos and screenshots. These can support your parking ticket appeal in London.
3. Emergency Situations or No Reasonable Alternative
The government is considering new rules to protect drivers who breach parking terms due to emergencies, like hospital visits or breakdowns.
Emergency Situations
In situations where you absolutely must park unlawfully due to a medical emergency (whether it’s your own or someone else’s), you might have grounds to challenge the penalty.
In this case you can provide supporting documentation, such as a statement from a healthcare professional verifying the urgency and the necessity of parking in that location, which can be considered as part of your appeal.
No Reasonable Alternative
If your vehicle breaks down and you are required to park in a restricted area, you may have grounds for appeal if you can prove the validity of the breakdown and the lack of alternative parking.
4. Private Parking Ticket Loopholes
Private parking operators must follow the Private Parking Code of Practice, which includes:
- Clear signage
- Fair appeal processes
- Restrictions on aggressive enforcement
If these standards aren’t met, your fine may be invalid.
How to Appeal Parking Fines in London
Our Step-by-Step Guide to Appealing a PCN
When looking to appeal a parking fine in London you usually need to start by making a formal representation to the council that issued the PCN.
- Check the PCN Details
Ensure the registration, location, and time are accurate.
Gather Evidence
- Photos of signs that are hard to see or understand, or where the information is misleading.
- If someone saw what happened and can support your case, ask them to write a ‘Witness statement’ explaining the incident and why they believe the parking ticket should be cancelled– write ‘Witness statement’ at the top of this.
- Receipts can strengthen your case.
- Submit Your Appeal Online
Penalty Charge Notices issued by local councils
If your penalty charge was issued by a local council here are some steps to appeal:
- Informal Appeal: Within 14 days (or 21 if received by post), write to the council explaining why you believe the ticket is wrong. Include evidence as mentioned above.
- Formal Representations: If the informal appeal is rejected, you can make a formal appeal within 28 days after receiving a “Notice to Owner”.
- Independent Tribunal: If rejected again, you can appeal to London Tribunals online. It’s free and you can submit your case in writing.
Please note: Do not make a payment if you have appealed a PCN. Once payment has been received, the case is closed, and you cannot appeal further.
Do not pay the fine if you intend to appeal, as payment is considered an admission of guilt.
2.Private Parking Tickets (Parking Charge Notices)
These are issued by private companies for parking on private land, such as supermarkets, retail parks, train stations, hospitals, universities, and private residential areas.
Appeal Steps:
Start by appealing directly to the company. If they reject your appeal, you can take it further:
- Use POPLAif the company is part of the British Parking Association (“BPA”).
- If they’re an International Parking Community (“IPC”) member, make a formal appeal to the Independent Appeals Service.
If the company is a member of either, the logo of the BPA or IPC will normally be printed on the PCN. However, if you cannot see either, you can search the name of the parking company using the above links.
Operators must display their accreditation body, so this will also normally able to be seen signage in the car park.
If you cannot find out the details of who the parking company are registered with, they may not be part of an accredited body.
In this case enforcement is much weaker and often harder for them to pursue you legally but this usually means they can’t access DVLA data lawfully (making it harder for them to obtain your information to pursue the fine).
- Use a Parking Fine Appeal Template
Structure your appeal clearly. Mention any parking fine mistakes or exemptions.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Unpleasant Fines
- Parking in suspended bays without noticing signage
- Assuming electric vehicles are exempt from all charges
- Misunderstanding TfL parking rules for PCO drivers
- Not checking for temporary restrictions during events or roadworks
Tips to Avoid Parking Fines as a PCO Driver
- Use apps like Parkopedia or JustPark to find legal spaces
- Always check for temporary signs or cones
- Keep a log of your journeys and stops
- Drive a ULEZ compliant car to avoid zone-related fines
- Consider electric PCO vehicles for added exemptions
Know Your Rights as a PCO Driver
As a licensed PCO driver, you have specific rights under TfL and UK law. These include:
- The right to appeal fines
- Protection under the Private Parking Code of Practice
- Access to PCN appeal success rate data
- Legal exemptions in certain emergency scenarios
Useful Resources for London PCO Drivers
- TfL Parking Rules for Private Hire Drivers
- GOV.UK: Private Parking Code of Practice
- Uber Driver Help Centre
Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Park Smarter
Parking fines are frustrating—but they’re not always final. By knowing your rights, spotting loopholes, and choosing the right vehicle, you can protect your income and drive with confidence.
Have you heard of Rapid PCO?
Here at Rapid PCO we have provided over 11,000 rentals for PCO drivers in London.
Whether you’re just starting out or you are an experienced PCO driver, we offer a wide range of PCO-licensed vehicles tailored to your needs, including hybrid and executive models.
- Comprehensive insurance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Servicing and maintenance included
- No credit checks
- Collection within 24 hours
PCO Rent to Buy Scheme
Our Rent to Buy scheme gives you the opportunity to own your vehicle within 5 years whilst earning money with ride sharing apps such as Uber and Bolt.
You can secure a brand-new vehicle with just a £499 deposit*.
Contact us today?
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