The NtK — A Critical Document
The Notice to Keeper (NtK) is one of the most important documents in private parking enforcement. Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (Schedule 4), it is the mechanism by which a private parking operator transfers liability from the unknown driver to the registered keeper of the vehicle. If the NtK is not sent correctly and on time, the operator loses the right to pursue the keeper.
When Must the NtK Be Sent?
The NtK must be received by the keeper within 14 days of the alleged contravention. In practice, this means the operator must post it early enough for it to arrive within the 14-day window. If the operator obtains keeper details from the DVLA later (because they didn't have a windscreen notice to identify the vehicle), the clock may start from the date they received the DVLA data — but the period must still be reasonable.
What Must the NtK Contain?
The NtK must include:
- The amount of the parking charge.
- Details of the alleged contravention (date, time, location).
- The grounds on which the charge is imposed.
- Information about the right to appeal.
- A mechanism for the keeper to identify the driver.
If the NtK Is Late or Non-Compliant
A late or non-compliant NtK means the operator cannot hold the keeper liable. This is an absolute defence. Check the date of the alleged contravention against the date the NtK was sent (look at the postmark on the envelope) and received. Even one day late can invalidate the charge against the keeper.
This Is Your Strongest Defence
NtK challenges are among the most successful appeal grounds because the timing requirement is strict and many operators fail to meet it. Always check the dates first.
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