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 maximum private parking fine UK?

The BPA recommends a maximum charge of £100 for most parking contraventions and £170 for specific offences. The IPC has similar limits. Any charge significantly exceeding these caps may be considered disproportionate and open to challenge.

Can a parking company charge more than £100?

While charges above £100 are possible for specific contraventions, the BPA and IPC Codes of Practice set maximum levels. Charges significantly above these caps may be challenged as disproportionate penalties under consumer contract law.

Are parking fine surcharges legal UK?

Private parking companies cannot add arbitrary surcharges, late fees, or interest to the original charge amount. If your charge has increased beyond the amount on the original PCN, challenge the additional costs as part of your appeal.

What Is the Maximum a Parking Company Can Charge?

Is There a Maximum Charge?

Yes — both the BPA and IPC Codes of Practice set caps on what private parking operators can charge. These caps have been introduced to prevent excessive charges and are a condition of the operator's trade association membership.

Current Caps

BPA members: The BPA Approved Operator Scheme sets maximum charge levels. As of 2026, the standard cap for most contraventions is £100, with a reduced rate of £60 for early payment within 14 days.
IPC members: The IPC Code of Practice has similar caps, typically £100 full charge and £60 for early payment.
Higher charges: Certain specific situations (such as unauthorised parking in disabled bays or fire lanes) may attract higher charges, but these must be justified and proportionate.

The Beavis Standard

The Supreme Court in ParkingEye v Beavis held that a charge of £85 was not a penalty because it served a legitimate interest and was not extravagant. While this doesn't set a formal maximum, charges significantly above £100 are increasingly difficult for operators to justify as proportionate.

When Charges Are Excessive

If you've received a charge that exceeds the relevant cap, or seems disproportionate to the alleged contravention, this is a valid ground for appeal. State the relevant cap and argue that the charge breaches the operator's own code of practice.

Admin Fees and Extras

Some operators add "administration fees" or other charges on top of the base parking charge. These may not be justified and can be challenged separately.

Generate Your Appeal Letter

Charged too much? Challenge it. Generate your personalised appeal letter in minutes with CancelMyFine — just £4.99. Visit CancelMyFine.co.uk to appeal an excessive charge.