If you’ve received a letter or fine from APCOA Parking — or worse, a debt collection notice for a fine you didn’t even know existed — you’re not alone. Many UK drivers find APCOA’s parking charges confusing, especially when the first they hear about it is from a bailiff or collector.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you receive an APCOA parking charge notice (PCN), including:
Who APCOA are and how they operate
How to contact APCOA Parking
Whether you need to pay a fine
How to appeal an APCOA ticket successfully
What happens if you lose your appeal
What to do if you never received the original fine
How this affects leased or subscription cars
Why keeping your insurance updated is essential
Who Is APCOA Parking?
APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd is one of the UK’s largest private parking management companies, operating at airports, hospitals, train stations, retail parks, and private car parks across the country.
Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, APCOA records vehicles entering and leaving car parks. If a car overstays its paid period or breaks the posted terms and conditions, APCOA issues a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) to the registered keeper.
It’s important to understand that an APCOA fine is not a criminal penalty — it’s a civil parking charge, issued under contract law. However, ignoring it can lead to debt collection or county court action (CCJ), which could affect your credit rating.
How to Contact APCOA Parking
It can be frustrating trying to get hold of someone at APCOA, but here are the main ways to contact them:
📬 By post:
APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd
PO Box 1010
Middlesex
UB8 9NT
(Always send by recorded or special delivery.)
📞 By phone: 0345 301 1151 (customer service and payment line)
📧 By email: customer.services@apcoa.com
🌐 Online: You can pay or appeal your fine via the official APCOA website.
Do You Have to Pay an APCOA Parking Fine?
Not immediately. If you believe the fine was issued in error, you have the right to appeal.
You usually have 28 days from the issue date to lodge an appeal.
👉 Do not pay the fine if you intend to challenge it — payment may be treated as acceptance of liability.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can take your case to the independent appeals body POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) for a final decision.
How to Appeal an APCOA Fine
You can appeal an APCOA fine in two ways:
Online: via APCOA’s appeal portal
By post: sending your written appeal with evidence
When you appeal, include:
Your PCN reference number
Your vehicle registration
A detailed explanation of why the charge should be cancelled
Proof of payment, photos, or witness statements
Keep copies of everything you send. Appeals sent by post should always use recorded delivery.
Common Grounds for Appealing an APCOA Fine
There are many legitimate reasons you might challenge an APCOA fine, such as:
You paid for parking and have a receipt or proof.
Signs were unclear, obscured, or missing.
You were not the vehicle owner at the time (e.g. leased, hired, or subscription vehicle).
You experienced an emergency or medical delay.
Your car broke down while parked.
You have a disability or were pregnant, and needed more time.
The fine arrived more than 14 days after the alleged incident.
You left the car park within the 10-minute grace period.
Always provide clear evidence to support your case — the stronger your documentation, the higher your chance of success.
What Happens If You Lose Your APCOA Appeal?
If APCOA rejects your appeal, you can escalate to POPLA, the independent adjudicator for private parking disputes.
You must appeal to POPLA within 28 days.
POPLA will review both sides’ evidence and make a final, binding decision.
If POPLA rules in your favour, the fine is cancelled.
If they rule against you, you’ll need to pay the fine within 28 days.
Failure to pay after this stage could result in APCOA referring the case to a debt collector or filing a court claim, which could lead to a County Court Judgement (CCJ) and impact your credit score.
What If You Never Received the Original Fine?
This is a common issue — particularly after moving home or changing vehicle ownership.
If the first notice you receive is from a debt collection agency, you should:
Contact APCOA immediately to explain that you never received the original PCN.
Contact the debt collector (if applicable) and request they pause action while the situation is investigated.
Provide proof of your new address or recent move.
APCOA may reissue the notice to your current address, giving you another opportunity to appeal.
Leased and Subscription Vehicles
If you drive a leased car or use a car subscription, the PCN is first sent to the registered keeper — usually your lease or subscription provider.
These companies often forward the fine to you and may add an admin fee for handling the paperwork.
If your fine is cancelled later, you can:
Request a refund of the parking charge from APCOA.
Ask the lease or subscription provider if they will refund the admin fee (though this isn’t a legal obligation).
If you believe the fine was issued incorrectly, make sure the leasing company transfers liability into your name so you can appeal directly to APCOA.
What Is ANPR and Why It Matters
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras automatically record every vehicle entering and exiting a car park.
By matching this data with DVLA records, APCOA can issue fines to registered keepers. However, like any automated system, errors can happen — which is why you should always double-check times, payments, and signage before paying.
Keep Your Car Insurance Updated
Whenever you change address, switch vehicles, or receive a fine linked to old information, it’s crucial to update your car insurance policy.
If your address, parking location, or car details are out of date, your insurer could reject a future claim — or your policy might even become invalid.
At einsure.uk, we make it easy to stay protected. You can compare car insurance quotes online in minutes to ensure your policy reflects your correct details and gives you the best possible cover.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. einsure.uk is not affiliated with APCOA Parking or any debt collection agencies. For specific queries about an APCOA fine, contact the company directly using the details above.
Frequently Asked Questions About APCOA Parking Fines
Who is APCOA Parking?
APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd is a private parking operator that manages car parks at airports, hospitals, train stations, retail parks and private sites across the UK. They use ANPR cameras to monitor vehicle entry and exit times and issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) when parking terms are breached.
Is an APCOA Parking Charge Notice (PCN) a criminal fine?
No. An APCOA PCN is a civil parking charge, not a criminal penalty. It’s issued under contract law, and while it can be enforced through the courts, it won’t appear on your criminal record. However, unpaid charges could result in a County Court Judgement (CCJ) if ignored after court action.
How do I contact APCOA about a parking charge?
You can contact APCOA by post, phone, or through their website. Always keep copies of any correspondence and use recorded delivery if posting your appeal. You can also appeal or pay online through the official APCOA Parking portal.
Do I have to pay an APCOA PCN immediately?
No. If you believe the fine was issued incorrectly, you can appeal within 28 days. Don’t pay the fine while your appeal is in progress, as this may be treated as an admission of liability.
How do I appeal an APCOA parking ticket?
You can appeal online or by post. Include your PCN reference number, vehicle registration, explanation, and evidence such as receipts, photos or witness statements. Always keep a copy and proof of submission.
What are valid grounds to appeal an APCOA PCN?
Grounds for appeal can include unclear signage, having paid for parking with proof, a vehicle breakdown, medical or disability-related delays, emergencies, receiving the fine after 14 days, or being within the 10-minute grace period. You can also appeal if you weren’t the registered keeper at the time, such as with a leased or subscription car.
What if APCOA rejects my appeal?
If APCOA rejects your appeal, you can take the case to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) within 28 days. POPLA’s decision is final. If they uphold APCOA’s decision, you’ll need to pay within 28 days to avoid further action or debt recovery.
I never received the original APCOA fine. What should I do?
Contact APCOA immediately to confirm your current address and explain that you never received the initial notice. If a debt collector is involved, ask them to pause enforcement while the issue is reviewed. Provide proof of your address and request that the fine be reissued so you can appeal.
How do APCOA fines affect leased or subscription cars?
APCOA sends the fine to the registered keeper, often your leasing or subscription company. They may charge an admin fee to forward it to you. Once liability is transferred into your name, you can appeal directly to APCOA. If the fine is cancelled, you can request a refund or reimbursement of the admin fee, though this isn’t guaranteed.
What is ANPR and how does APCOA use it?
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras record when vehicles enter and exit a car park, calculating how long they stayed. If the system detects a breach of the site’s terms, APCOA may issue a Parking Charge Notice to the registered keeper. Always check the timestamps, signage and proof of payment for errors.
Should I update my car insurance after receiving a parking charge or moving home?
Yes. Keeping your address and vehicle details accurate helps ensure your insurance policy remains valid. If you’ve moved or changed cars, you can compare updated insurance quotes easily at einsure.uk.
Where can I compare UK car insurance quotes?
You can compare trusted car insurance quotes quickly and securely at einsure.uk, helping you find the best cover and price for your needs.