Private parking tickets in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Last reviewed: November 2026
In a nutshell
The law that lets private parking companies in England and Wales pursue the registered keeper (the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4) doesn't apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland. There, a parking company generally has to show who was driving. So it's especially important that the keeper doesn't name the driver.
What's different
In England and Wales, if a parking company follows the PoFA rules, it can hold the registered keeper liable even if it never finds out who was driving. Scotland and Northern Ireland have no equivalent law. A company there can still send letters to the keeper (using DVLA data), but the charge is really against the driver.
What this means for your appeal
- Appeal as 'the registered keeper', and don't say who was driving.
- Point out that PoFA Schedule 4 doesn't apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland, so the keeper can't be held liable under it.
- Ignore claims on the notice that 'the registered keeper is liable'. That isn't correct in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
- The usual independent appeals still apply: POPLA for BPA members, the IAS for IPC members.
Still don't ignore it
Appeal in writing on time, keep copies, and never ignore court papers. Court procedures differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so get free local advice if it gets that far (Citizens Advice Scotland or Advice NI).
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Check my ticket for freeThis guide is general information about UK private parking charges, not legal advice. Rules and codes of practice can change. Always check the details on your own notice and, if in doubt, get free advice from Citizens Advice.