How to appeal to IAS
The IAS (Independent Appeals Service) is the free second-stage appeals service for private parking charges from IPC-member operators - the IPC’s equivalent of POPLA. You appeal to the operator first; if rejected, you escalate to the IAS using the reference they provide. The IPC and IAS are more closely linked to the operators than POPLA is to the BPA, so a precise, well-evidenced appeal matters.
- Appeals body
- Independent Appeals Service (theias.org)
- Type
- Private parking charge appeals
- Who it covers
- Rejected appeals against private Parking Charge Notices from operators that belong to the International Parking Community (IPC) - for example Excel Parking, Vehicle Control Services, Smart Parking, Gemini Parking Solutions and UK Car Park Management.
- Time limit
- 28 days from the operator’s rejection
- Cost
- Free to the motorist
- Official website
- www.theias.org
The IAS handles IPC operators. If yours is a BPA operator, the route is POPLA instead. Always follow the exact route and deadline printed on your rejection notice.
In its 2024–25 year the IAS received 34,383 disputes, and parking operators conceded 7,888 appeals before adjudication; it publishes no outcomes by operator. POPLA and IAS figures compared →
How to appeal to IAS, step by step
- 1
Appeal to the operator first
Appeal directly to the IPC-member operator within their deadline and wait for the rejection - the IAS only takes a case afterwards.
- 2
Get your IAS reference
The rejection must tell you how to escalate to the IAS and give you the reference/code and the deadline (28 days for a standard appeal).
- 3
Submit your appeal to the IAS
Register at theias.org and set out your grounds with evidence. Be precise and factual - signage, payment proof, ANPR accuracy, and the keeper-liability rules.
- 4
Await the adjudicator’s decision
An assessor decides on the papers. A successful appeal cancels the charge.
IAS appeals - frequently asked questions
Is an IAS appeal worth it?
Yes - it is free and a successful appeal cancels the charge. Because the IAS is the IPC’s own service, make your appeal precise and well-evidenced: focus on signage, the Protection of Freedoms Act keeper-liability rules, grace periods and any payment you made, rather than vague mitigation.
How long do I have to appeal to the IAS?
28 days from the operator’s rejection for a standard appeal, which is free. If you miss that window, the IAS offers a non-standard appeal, but only if the operator agrees to it: it costs £15, and the decision then binds you as well as the operator. You need the reference from the rejection to register. Never pay the charge while you intend to appeal.
POPLA or IAS - which one do I use?
It depends on the operator’s trade body: BPA members route to POPLA, IPC members route to the IAS. The rejection letter tells you which, and our per-operator guides note each operator’s body.
Can AppealIQ help with an IAS appeal?
Yes. If the operator rejects your appeal, AppealIQ drafts a structured IAS appeal statement that answers each reason they gave, with an evidence checklist. A second-stage appeal statement is £2.99, paid once - it always uses a paid letter credit, not your free monthly letter. The appeal to the independent body itself is free.
Draft your IAS appeal now
Rejected? AppealIQ drafts a structured appeal statement for IAS that answers each reason you were given, with an evidence checklist.
A second-stage appeal statement is £2.99, paid once - it always uses a paid letter credit, not your free monthly letter. The appeal to the independent body itself is free.
IPC members that escalate here
Other appeals bodies
AppealIQ generates draft letters to assist your appeal. It is not legal advice - always review the letter and use the official appeal channel and deadline printed on your notice.