What is the difference between the BPA and the IPC?

Both are trade bodies for private parking companies. The British Parking Association (BPA) runs an Approved Operator Scheme whose members use POPLA as their independent appeals service; the International Parking Community (IPC) runs its own scheme whose members use the Independent Appeals Service (IAS). Which one a company belongs to decides where a rejected appeal goes and how long you have.

How long do I have to appeal to POPLA or the IAS?

POPLA normally allows 28 days from the date of the operator’s rejection, and the IAS 21 days. You need the code or reference given in the rejection letter. The rejection letter must tell you which service applies — if it and this lookup disagree, go by the letter and check the register.

Do I have to pay to appeal to POPLA or the IAS?

No. Both services are free to the motorist, and you do not pay the charge before appealing. Paying is usually treated as accepting the charge and ends the appeal.

Can a parking company move from the BPA to the IPC?

Yes, and it happens — Smart Parking, for example, is now on the IPC register, while many older guides still send its customers to POPLA. That is why this tool is built from the registers themselves rather than from old guides, and shows the date they were last read.

Free tool

BPA or IPC? Find who your parking company answers to

A rejected appeal against a private parking charge goes to one of two independent services, and which one depends on the company's trade body. Get it wrong and you can miss the deadline — POPLA gives you 28 days, the IAS only 21.

Company or council named on your notice

Searches 394 registered operators and councils. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.

Built from the 110 members of the BPA Approved Operator register and the 112 members of the IPC AOS member register, read on 27 September 2026. Membership changes — your rejection letter is the final word.

Why it matters

You always appeal to the parking company first. Only if it rejects you do you escalate — and the company must give you a code or reference for the right service. POPLA (for BPA members) and the IAS (for IPC members) are both free, and both decide on the evidence you and the operator submit.

Council Penalty Charge Notices are different: they are statutory, so a rejected formal representation goes to London Tribunals (London boroughs) or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (the rest of England and Wales). The lookup covers councils too, so you can check either.

Rejected? Get your appeal written

AppealIQ drafts a formal first-stage appeal to the company, and — if it is rejected — a structured appeal statement for POPLA, the IAS or the tribunal.

1 free letter every month, then £2.99 per extra letter — no subscription. See pricing

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the BPA and the IPC?: Both are trade bodies for private parking companies. The British Parking Association (BPA) runs an Approved Operator Scheme whose members use POPLA as their independent appeals service; the International Parking Community (IPC) runs its own scheme whose members use the Independent Appeals Service (IAS). Which one a company belongs to decides where a rejected appeal goes and how long you have.
How long do I have to appeal to POPLA or the IAS?: POPLA normally allows 28 days from the date of the operator’s rejection, and the IAS 21 days. You need the code or reference given in the rejection letter. The rejection letter must tell you which service applies — if it and this lookup disagree, go by the letter and check the register.
Do I have to pay to appeal to POPLA or the IAS?: No. Both services are free to the motorist, and you do not pay the charge before appealing. Paying is usually treated as accepting the charge and ends the appeal.
Can a parking company move from the BPA to the IPC?: Yes, and it happens — Smart Parking, for example, is now on the IPC register, while many older guides still send its customers to POPLA. That is why this tool is built from the registers themselves rather than from old guides, and shows the date they were last read.

More free tools

Notice to Keeper checkerCheck whether a private parking company’s Notice to Keeper arrived in time under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 — if it was late, the registered keeper can’t be made liable.PCN discount calculatorEnter the date on a council Penalty Charge Notice to see the last day for the 50% discount, when a Notice to Owner can arrive and when the charge rises by 50%.

General information, not legal advice. See also who to appeal to when rejected.