I had genuine mitigating circumstances
A real reason stopped you complying with the restriction - a medical emergency, bereavement, being directed by staff, or another exceptional situation.
What the rules say
- Private Parking Single Code of Practice (Appeals Charter)
- Traffic Management Act 2004
How to appeal, step by step
- 1
Document the circumstance
Gather anything that evidences it - a medical letter, a death certificate or funeral notice, or a note from staff who directed you.
- 2
Be honest and specific
Mitigation works best when it is genuine, specific and dated. Explain exactly what happened and why it stopped you complying.
- 3
Appeal on mitigation
Even where a contravention technically occurred, operators and councils have discretion to cancel on compelling mitigating grounds. Make the human case clearly and attach your evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Will mitigation work if I technically broke the rule?
Often, yes. Both private operators and councils have discretion to cancel a charge on compelling, evidenced mitigating circumstances even where a contravention occurred. It is not a guaranteed ground, but a genuine, documented reason is frequently accepted.
What counts as mitigation?
Medical emergencies, bereavement, being misdirected by staff or police, a breakdown, or other exceptional and genuine circumstances - supported by dated evidence.
Draft your appeal now
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Other reasons to appeal
AppealIQ generates draft letters to assist your appeal. It is not legal advice - always review the letter and use the official appeal channel printed on your notice. Whether a charge is a private Parking Charge Notice or a statutory council Penalty Charge Notice changes the process; pick the matching guide on the appeal hub.