BEFORE YOU APPEAL

If you believe the parking charge was issued in error or you have mitigating circumstances you should appeal first to the operator.  If you are not satisfied with the operator’s decision, you can then appeal to the IAS.

While the IAS is unable to give legal advice, we suggest you visit www.247Advice.co.uk to use their chatbot to help you decide if you should appeal.

The IAS will consider the lawfulness of the charge; and will consider aspects of the Code such as grace period and exempt vehicles. This is always based on the evidence provided, to the standard of proof of the balance of probabilities. Providing evidence is the most important part of an appeal. 

If you would like to appeal to the IAS you must first decide if you wish to file a standard, or non-standard appeal. You cannot do both.

Time Frame: For a standard appeal, you can appeal to the IAS up to 28 after the appeal was rejected by the operator. You can only create a standard or non-standard appeal.

Discount Rate: If you appeal to the IAS, you lose your ability to pay at a reduced rate should you lose your appeal.   

Cost: It is free for a motorist to create a standard appeal to the IAS. 

Outcome: The outcome for a standard appeal is only binding on the operator, not the motorist.  

Mitigating Circumstances: The IAS will not make decisions based on mitigating circumstances.  The IAS makes their decision based on the lawfulness of a parking charge. 

Eligibility:  

• Once a parking charge has been paid, it cannot be appealed to the IAS.  
•  The IAS cannot accept an appeal until it has first been considered and rejected by the operator who issued the charge.  

Time Frame: If you miss the standard appeal window, you can make a request to the operator for a  non-standard appeal. This can be done up to 12 months from when the parking charge was issued.  

Discount rate: If you lose your appeal, you are not eligible for the discounted rate.

Cost: Non-standard appeals are a £15 non-refundable contribution, paid by the motorist. The operator must also pay. 

Outcome: Decisions from a non-standard appeal are binding for both the motorist and the operator.

Eligibility:  

• Once a parking charge has been paid, it cannot be appealed to the IAS.  
• Unlike a standard appeal, a non-standard appeal must be agreed to by the operator. 

A good appeal provides as much detail and evidence as possible. One of the most important elements of an appeal is to back up your explanation with evidence, such as photographs, receipts and official documents where possible. Please ensure you include details like how you paid, what type of permit you have, or a blue badge number.

Before you appeal to an operator or the IAS, you should gather any evidence you would like to include with your appeal.  Once a decision is made, it cannot be altered. Examples of evidence include: Photos of signage, payment machines, floor markings, payment receipts and payment receipts.  

Please ensure you have your parking charge number and vehicle registration number ready before you appeal. 

Open the user guide on a separate tab/screen so you can reference it throughout the process.

Top Tip: 247advice has a chatbot to help motorists decide if they should appeal. It also contains an easy to understand guide to walk you through the process.