Got a Premier Parking Fine? Here’s How to Appeal It

You come back from shopping, eating out, or even a hospital visit — and a week later, a Premier Parking PCN lands in your letterbox. £100, they say. You parked too long or didn’t pay right. But did you actually do anything wrong?

Good news: you don’t have to just pay it. Premier Parking is a private operator — and many of their charges can be appealed.

Appeal your Premier Parking fine with Resolvo in just 2 minutes - it's completely free

📌 Who Are Premier Parking?

Penalty Charge Notice (Resolvo)

Premier Parking are UK private parking management company. They run car parks on behalf of landowners in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset,, Dorset, Bristol, Derby, Oxford, Sussex, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Berkshire.

They issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) when they think someone has broken the rules — overstayed, didn’t pay, entered wrong reg, or parked where they shouldn’t. Premier Parking use ANPR cameras and sometimes attendants to enforce parking. Most PCNs arrive by post, but some are placed on windscreens.

They’re a member of the British Parking Association (BPA) — which means:

• They must follow BPA rules (like giving a grace period)

• Rejected appeals can go to POPLA (an independent appeals body)

🏥 Where Premier Parking Operates

You’ll often find Premier Parking at:

• Retail parks and supermarkets

• NHS and private hospitals

• Bars and restaurants

• Small pay-to-park sites

• Apartment complexes and private land

They’re known for high turnover sites — places where people come and go quickly, which makes ANPR errors and signage issues more common. That’s why it's worth checking the details carefully before paying.

⚖️ Is It a Real Fine?

No — not in the legal sense. It’s not from the police or a council.

A Premier Parking PCN is a civil charge, not a criminal offence. It’s a claim that you broke their parking rules — like a private invoice.

They can’t just demand payment. They’d have to prove you breached a clear contract — and follow the Protection of Freedoms Act (POFA) to chase the registered keeper.

🚫 What If You Ignore It?

If you ignore a Premier Parking notice, they may:

• Send more letters demanding payment

• Pass your info to debt collectors (who can’t take legal action)

• Threaten or start small claims court action

You might also get added fees or risk a CCJ (County Court Judgment) if it reaches court and you don’t respond.

👉 Safer to appeal or pay if valid — don’t just ignore it.

🧾 How to Appeal a Premier Parking Fine

1. Check the Details

Errors help your case. Look for:

• Did they capture wrong number plate

• Unclear parking signs or faded markings

• Clocked out just a minute late (check for grace period)

• Payment system failed or didn’t register

🚦 British Parking Association rules say you get at least 10 minutes grace after paid time ends — or if you decided not to park and left.

2. Collect Your Evidence

Useful proof includes:

• 🧾 Payment receipts or parking app logs

• 📸 Photos of signage, bays, payment machines

• 📅 Timestamps or GPS evidence

• 🩺 Notes if you were delayed (e.g. medical issue)

3. Submit Your Appeal to Premier Parking

You can appeal online via their site or as directed on the PCN. Do it within 28 days of receiving the notice.

Keep it short, factual and polite. Attach all evidence.

🚫 Don’t pay first — doing so ends your right to challenge it.

4. Go to POPLA If Rejected

Premier Parking must give you a POPLA code if they reject your appeal. Use that to escalate:

• Go to popla.co.uk

• Submit your appeal and evidence

• Explain why the charge is unfair or flawed

POPLA is free and independent — and many drivers win.

💡 When Do Appeals Work?

You’ve got a decent case if:

• 🕐 You left within the grace period

• 🧾 You paid, but it wasn’t registered properly

• 🪧 Signs were small, unclear or missing

• 🧍 You’re the keeper, and they failed to follow POFA

• 🚗 You stopped for valid reasons (e.g. breakdown, emergency)

🧠 FAQs: Premier Parking Fines

1. Do I have to pay a Premier Parking PCN? Not always. If there’s an error, unclear signs, or POFA rules weren’t followed, you can appeal. Many people win.

2. Is it enforceable? Yes — if they follow the law. It’s a civil claim, not a criminal offence. They must prove a contract was broken and follow strict rules.

3. Can Premier Parking take me to court? Yes. If they do, you’ll get a County Court claim form. You can still defend it — and they must prove their case.

4. Will it affect my credit score? Only if it goes to court, you lose, and you don’t pay the judgment within 30 days. Just getting a PCN or debt letter doesn’t touch your credit.

5. Can I appeal if I was just a few minutes late? Yes. BPA rules give you at least a 10-minute grace period after your time expires.

6. Do I have to name the driver? No. If you’re the registered keeper, just say so. You’re not legally required to name the driver. They must follow POFA to hold you liable.

7. What if I had a medical issue or breakdown? Include proof (hospital note, RAC report, etc). Parking rules can’t override emergencies or genuine health issues.

8. What’s the POPLA deadline? You have 28 days from your rejection letter to submit a POPLA appeal. It’s free — and many people win.

9. Are hospital fines or Blue Badge issues appealable? Absolutely. Appeals can succeed if:

   1. You were attending an emergency

   2. The hospital failed to register your plate

   3. Disabled access or signage was inadequate

10. What if I ignore it completely? You’ll likely get:

• More letters (possibly from debt collectors)

• Legal threats

• Risk of small claims court 👉 Ignoring is risky. Better to appeal or pay if valid.

11. How long do they have to send the PCN? If it was camera-enforced (ANPR):

• They must send it within 14 days of the parking date. Did they miss this? It’s a strong reason to appeal under POFA 2012.

12. What if I mistyped my number plate? Explain it in your appeal. Include:

• Payment proof

• Parking app screenshot

• Reason for the mistake Appeals often succeed for simple errors.

13. What if I never got the PCN? Check the address on your V5C logbook. If you didn’t receive it within 14 days (ANPR case), you may have a valid appeal.

14. Can I appeal if signs weren’t clear? Yes. Grounds include:

• Poor lighting or visibility

• Small print or confusing layout

• No signs at entrance Take photos. Poor signage often wins appeals.

15. Can they send bailiffs if I don’t pay? Not without a court judgment. Debt collectors aren’t bailiffs — they can’t enter your home or take your stuff. 👉 Bailiffs only come if:

1. They win in court

2. You still don’t pay

3. They apply for enforcement (rare for parking cases)

16. Is it free to appeal with Resolvo? Yes. We write your letter based on the latest parking regulation — for free, in minutes.

🧾 Final Thought: Don’t Pay It If It’s Wrong

Premier Parking doesn’t always get it right. If you’ve been unfairly fined — fight back. Use your evidence, stick to the facts, and let Resolvo help.

👉 Start your Premier Parking appeal now