Got an APCOA Parking Fine? Here's How to Fight and Beat It

Whether it landed on your windscreen or came through the post, getting a fine from APCOA can feel like a shock — especially if you thought you'd done nothing wrong.

The good news? You may not have to pay. Many APCOA fines can be cancelled on appeal — and if yours was unfair, unclear, or issued in error, you have the right to fight it.

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

🏢 What Is APCOA and Why Did They Fine You?

APCOA Parking is one of the largest private parking companies in Europe. In the UK, they manage parking across hundreds of sites, including major hubs like Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, London Paddington, Heathrow Airport, Southampton General Hospital, and Luton Airport.

They also operate in cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. If you’re not sure whether your fine came from an APCOA-run location, you can check their full list of sites on the APCOA site.

APCOA issues Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) when they believe a driver has broken the rules — for example, not paying, overstaying, parking outside a marked bay, or failing to register a permit. Many sites use ANPR cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) to log entry and exit times, though some locations still issue paper tickets via on-site attendants.

⚖️ Do You Have to Pay an APCOA Fine?

APCOA Warminister Station Car Park

Not straight away — and not always at all.

An APCOA parking ticket is a private parking charge, not a criminal fine or official council penalty. It’s based on contract law — and that means:

• You’re not breaking the law

• APCOA must prove you agreed to the parking terms

• If they want to enforce it, they’d need to take you to small claims court

If signs weren’t clear, systems failed, or you made a small mistake, you may be able to get the fine cancelled by appealing.

🚫 What Happens If You Ignore It?

If you ignore the PCN completely, you risk:

• Debt collection letters

• Legal threats

• Potential small claims action

• A County Court Judgment (CCJ) if it goes unpaid after court

It’s better to respond properly — either appeal it or pay it if you’re sure it’s valid. Ignoring a private PCN is rarely worth the stress.

🧾 Can You Appeal an APCOA Fine? Yes — And It’s Easier Than You Think

Step 1: Check the Fine for Mistakes

Look for errors like:

• Wrong registration number

• Incorrect time or date

• No grace period (you’re usually allowed 10 minutes)

• Signs that were hidden, blocked or missing

• A valid payment that wasn’t logged

• Delays caused by medical or emergency situations

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

To back your case, include:

• Payment confirmation or screenshots from the app

• Photos of signs or machines

• Copies of medical documents (if applicable)

• Witness statements

• Evidence of a valid permit or booking

Step 3: Submit the Appeal to APCOA

You can appeal directly through the APCOA website — you usually have 28 days.

• Go to their appeals website

• Enter your PCN number and vehicle reg, upload evidence, and explain your situation clearly.

🚫 Don’t pay before appealing — once you pay, you lose your right to challenge it.

Step 4: Escalate to POPLA (If Rejected)

If APCOA rejects your appeal, you can take it to POPLA, the independent appeals service for private parking.

• Use the POPLA code in your rejection letter

• Submit your POPLA appeal within 28 days

• Reuse your evidence and clearly restate your case

✍️ Don’t Know What to Say in Your Appeal? Resolvo Does It for You

Writing an appeal can feel overwhelming and stressful. What if you word it wrong? What if they ignore it?

That’s why Resolvo exists.

What Resolvo Does:

• Asks you a few simple questions

• Uses UK parking regulations to understand your case

• Writes a clear, structured appeal letter

• 100% free — no forms, no request for card details and stress free

Whether your APCOA fine came from a train station, hospital, or shopping centre — Resolvo helps you challenge it in under 2 minutes.

Start your APCOA appeal here

📨 If APCOA Reject Your Appeal — Take It to POPLA

If APCOA rejects your appeal, you don’t have to give up. You can go to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals), which is free and independent.

• Use the POPLA code APCOA gives you

• Visit popla.co.uk

• Resubmit your evidence, address any concerns APCOA raised and appeal

🧠 FAQs: APCOA Parking Fines

Can I appeal a fine from an NHS car park?

Yes. Many APCOA hospital fines are successfully appealed — especially if machines didn’t work, signs were unclear, or you were visiting during a medical emergency.

How can I contact APCOA

You can speak to APCOA via live chat on their website, live chat is available from Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm & Saturday 8am - 1pm. Their customer support team will not deal with parking tickets via live chat.

What if I was picking someone up and didn’t park?

Explain this in your appeal. If you were stopped briefly and didn’t leave the vehicle, you may be able to challenge the fine — especially if no signs warned about waiting.

Can I appeal if I was just a few minutes late?

Yes — private parking companies should allow a 10-minute grace period. If yours wasn’t honoured, raise that in your appeal.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Just Pay It

APCOA manages huge car parks across the UK, but that doesn’t mean they’re always right.

If you believe your APCOA parking fine was unfair or caused by a simple mistake — don’t pay straight away.

Appeal your APCOA fine with Resolvo