How to appeal to POPLA (step by step)

Can I use POPLA?

• The parking company must be a BPA member. Look for a 'BPA Approved Operator' logo on the notice. If it shows an IPC logo instead, you need the IAS (see our IAS guide).
• You must have appealed to the parking company first, and had that appeal rejected.
• The rejection letter should include a POPLA verification code. If it doesn't, ask the company for one.

Step by step

• 1. Find the POPLA code and the date on your rejection letter. The deadline is usually 28 days from that letter, so don't wait.
• 2. Go to the official POPLA website (popla.co.uk) and start an appeal. It's free.
• 3. Choose your grounds and explain each one clearly. Re-use the points from your first appeal, and answer anything the company said in its rejection.
• 4. Upload evidence: photos of signs (or the lack of them), payment receipts or bank statements, app screenshots, the envelope or postmark if the notice was late.
• 5. The parking company then sends POPLA its evidence. You'll usually get a short window to comment on it. Use it to point out anything missing or wrong, for example no proof of when the notice was posted.
• 6. POPLA decides. If you win, the charge is cancelled.

What if I lose?

A POPLA decision binds the parking company, but not you. If POPLA rejects your appeal, you can still choose not to pay. The company would then have to take you to court if it wants to pursue the charge. Many people decide to pay at that stage. Whatever you decide, never ignore court papers.

Tips

• Keep it factual and polite. Number your points.
• Don't name the driver if you're appealing as the registered keeper.
• Ask the company to prove things you can't check, such as that the signs were in place and the notice was posted on time.