How does CancelMyFine work?

Answer 5 simple questions about your parking fine, and our AI generates a formal appeal letter referencing relevant UK legislation. Pay £4.99 and download your letter as a PDF instantly.

What types of parking fines can I appeal?

We cover private parking charges (ParkingEye, NCP, UKPC etc.), council Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and police Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

How long does it take?

The whole process takes under 2 minutes. Answer the questions, pay £4.99, and your PDF downloads automatically.

What if my appeal is rejected?

You can escalate for free. Private fines go to POPLA (BPA members) or IAS (IPC members). Council PCNs go to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

What is the statute of limitations on parking fines UK?

The Limitation Act 1980 sets a 6-year time limit for private parking companies to bring a civil court claim. After 6 years from the date of the alleged contravention, the debt becomes statute-barred.

Can a parking company chase a fine after 6 years?

After 6 years, a private parking company cannot enforce the debt through the courts as it becomes statute-barred. However, they may still send letters. If you receive a court claim for a charge older than 6 years, file a defence citing the Limitation Act.

Does the 6-year limit apply to council parking fines?

Council parking fines follow a different enforcement process. Unpaid council PCNs can be registered as debts through the Traffic Enforcement Centre and enforced by bailiffs. There is no simple 6-year cut-off for council fines.

Statute of Limitations on Parking Fines UK

Limitation Periods for Parking Fines

The statute of limitations for parking fines in the UK depends on whether the fine is a council PCN or a private parking charge. Understanding these time limits can be important if you're dealing with an old or forgotten charge.

Private Parking Charges — 6 Years

Under the Limitation Act 1980, a private parking company has 6 years from the date of the alleged breach of contract to issue court proceedings. After 6 years, the claim becomes "statute-barred" — the operator can no longer pursue it through the courts. This applies regardless of how many letters or debt collection notices they send.

Council PCNs — Different Rules

Council PCNs are not subject to the Limitation Act in the same way because they are statutory penalties, not contractual claims. The enforcement process (Notice to Owner → Charge Certificate → court registration → bailiffs) has its own timeline. However, once a Charge Certificate is registered at the county court, the council has 6 years to enforce it.

When Does the Clock Start?

Private charges: The date of the alleged parking contravention (the date you parked).
Council PCNs: The date the Charge Certificate was registered at the county court.

Can the Clock Be Reset?

Making a part payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can potentially reset the limitation clock for private charges. Be cautious about any correspondence that could be interpreted as acknowledging the debt if you're relying on the limitation period.

Don't Wait — Appeal

Waiting 6 years for a charge to become statute-barred is not a strategy — it's years of stress and uncertainty. Appealing promptly resolves the matter one way or the other.

Generate Your Appeal Letter

Resolve your fine now, not in 6 years. Generate your personalised appeal letter in minutes with CancelMyFine — just £4.99. Visit CancelMyFine.co.uk for immediate action.