APCOA Parking

APCOA is a car park management company operating in the United Kingdom. It manages over 200 car parks in the country, offering a range of parking services such as on-street parking, off-street parking, and parking enforcement. The company uses technology to improve the parking experience, including number plate recognition technology and parking guidance systems. It also offers electric vehicle charging stations and car wash services. APCOA is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA).

APCOA operates private car parks on behalf of private landowners, businesses, and local authorities. When a vehicle is parked in an APCOA-managed car park without authorisation or payment, the company may issue a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) or private ticket.

APCOA Parking logo

A PCN is not a fine but rather a contractual charge for breaching the terms and conditions of parking on private land. The PCN is issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle and gives them the opportunity to either pay the charge or appeal the ticket within a set timeframe.

If the charge is not paid, APCOA may choose to pursue the matter through the courts or through a debt collection agency..If they remain unpaid APCOA may take legal action to recover the unpaid charge.

What should you do if you receive a ticket?

If you receive a private ticket from APCOA, there are several steps you can take:

  1. Check the ticket: Read the ticket carefully and ensure that the details are accurate. Check the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, and compare them with your own records. Also, check the terms and conditions of parking on the car park to ensure that you did not unknowingly violate any regulations.
  2. Gather evidence: If you believe that the ticket was issued incorrectly or unfairly, gather evidence to support your case. This could include photographs of the signage on the car park, receipts or tickets for payment, or any other documentation that supports your claim.
  3. Appeal the ticket: If you believe that the ticket was issued unfairly or incorrectly, you have the right to appeal the decision. APCOA is required to provide a clear and transparent appeals process. You can appeal the ticket online, by post, or by phone.
  4. Pay the ticket: If you decide to pay the ticket, make sure that you do so within the specified time frame to avoid additional charges or legal action. You can pay the ticket online or by phone.

It is important to note that private tickets issued by APCOA are not fines and are not backed by law. Instead they are based on contract law and they will allege you have breached that contract. However, if you ignore the ticket or fail to pay it within the specified time frame, APCOA may take legal action to recover the amount owed, and this could result in additional fees and charges. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your options and take action promptly if you receive a private ticket from APCOA.

What happens if you ignore the ticket?

If a driver fails to pay a private ticket issued by APCOA within the specified time frame, the company may take legal action to recover the amount owed. This could involve taking the driver to court and seeking a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against them.

To take legal action, APCOA would need to follow a legal process that includes sending a Notice to Keeper (NTK) to the registered owner of the vehicle, followed by a Letter Before Claim (LBC), which outlines the amount owed and the reasons for the claim.

If the driver still refuses to pay, APCOA may then issue a Claim Form, which initiates legal proceedings. The driver will have the opportunity to respond to the claim and defend themselves in court. If the court finds in favour of APCOA, a CCJ may be issued against the driver (although this will only stay on your credit record if it remains unpaid).

It is important to note that legal action is usually a last resort for APCOA, and they will typically attempt to resolve the issue through other means, such as sending reminder letters or offering a settlement. Going to court costs them money, but it should be noted that they do do it to maintain the threat.

How can Parking Cowboys help?

If you’ve received a ticket

  1. Understand what private parking tickets are
  2. Find out about appeals, and in particular about the POPLA service
  3. Learn how to fight back with our essential guide

If you’ve received a court claim

  1. Understand how they can be legally enforced in county court
  2. Learn about County Court Judgements and the risk is to your credit file
  3. Consider using our legal service partner, JustAnswer. Click here to make a no-obligation enquiry

Best of luck – we’ll help you through this!