How to appeal to POPLA
POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) is the free, independent second-stage appeals service for private parking charges issued by BPA-member operators. You can only go to POPLA after you have appealed to the operator and been rejected — the operator must then give you a verification code to use. POPLA’s decision is binding on the operator, and you never have to pay the charge before appealing.
- Appeals body
- Parking on Private Land Appeals
- Type
- Private parking charge appeals
- Who it covers
- Rejected first-stage appeals against private Parking Charge Notices from operators that belong to the British Parking Association (BPA) — for example ParkingEye, APCOA, Euro Car Parks, NCP, Smart Parking and Horizon.
- Time limit
- 28 days from the operator’s rejection
- Cost
- Free to the motorist
- Official website
- www.popla.co.uk
POPLA handles BPA operators. If yours is an IPC operator, the route is the IAS instead. Always follow the exact route and deadline printed on your rejection notice.
How to appeal to POPLA, step by step
- 1
Appeal to the operator first
POPLA only takes a case after the operator has rejected a first-stage appeal. Appeal directly to the operator within their deadline (usually 28 days) and wait for the rejection.
- 2
Get your POPLA verification code
The rejection letter must include a POPLA code and the deadline. Without the code you cannot register the appeal.
- 3
Submit to POPLA within 28 days
Register at popla.co.uk and set out your grounds with evidence — signage photos, payment proof, ANPR images, and any Protection of Freedoms Act keeper-liability point.
- 4
Respond to the operator’s evidence
The operator files its evidence pack; you usually get a short window to comment on it. Point out anything missing — for example no proof the signs formed a contract, or that Schedule 4 of POFA was not followed.
- 5
Await the adjudicator’s decision
An independent assessor decides. If you win, the charge is cancelled. The decision binds the operator.
POPLA appeals — frequently asked questions
Is POPLA free?
Yes. POPLA is free to the motorist — it is funded by the parking operators through the BPA. You should never pay a fee to appeal to POPLA.
How long do I have to appeal to POPLA?
Normally 28 days from the date the operator rejects your first-stage appeal. You must have a POPLA verification code from that rejection. Do not pay the charge if you intend to appeal — paying is treated as accepting it and ends the appeal.
What are good grounds for a POPLA appeal?
The strongest are: the operator has not met Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (so the keeper is not liable); the signage was inadequate to form a contract; the mandatory grace period was not given; a genuine payment was made; or ANPR error. Avoid the old "genuine pre-estimate of loss" argument for clearly-signed overstays — ParkingEye v Beavis settled that point.
Is a POPLA decision binding?
Yes — on the operator. If POPLA finds in your favour, the operator must cancel the charge. If you lose, you are not forced to pay immediately, but the operator can then pursue the charge through the County Court, so weigh it up.
Draft your POPLA appeal now
AppealIQ writes a formal, well-structured appeal you can submit to POPLA. Your first letter each month is free.
Operators 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.