In a remarkable example of digital activism, a woman known online as Zoë Bread successfully challenged a parking fine in Manchester, leading to a broader review of signage and the cancellation of similar fines.
The power of persistence – and TikTok
A woman known as her alter-ego Zoë Bread, received a penalty for parking on Collier Street in Manchester. She claimed confusing signage led her to purchase a ticket from the wrong machine.
Taking her case to TikTok, Zoë documented her experience, highlighting the misleading signs and sharing stories from other drivers who faced similar issues. Her videos gained significant attention, prompting Manchester City Council to acknowledge the problem
After a month-long campaign, including challenging Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham on a BBC Radio Manchester phone-in, the council agreed that the signage “could be clearer” and decided to quash her fine. They also committed to reviewing and refunding other fines issued on the street over the past year.
What this means for you
A recent AA survey found that 1 in 20 UK drivers would pay a parking fine they believe is unjustified, often just to avoid the hassle of appealing. But, as Zoë Bread demonstrated, many tickets can be successfully challenged, and understanding your rights could save you time, money, and stress
Whether you received a fine from the council, the police, or a private parking company, here’s how to navigate the process:
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Council issued fines
These are issued by local authorities for parking violations on public roads or in council-managed car parks. To challenge a council PCNs you can:
- Submit an informal appeal to the issuing council within 14 days of the ticket being issued.
- If rejected and you receive a ‘Notice to Owner’, you have 28 days to submit a formal appeal.
- Should the formal appeal be unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal (like London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, depending on where you live).
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) – Police issued fines
FPNs are issued by the police or authorities like the DVSA, often for parking offences involving safety or obstruction. You can appeal an FPN, but not through a typical appeal process. Instead, you must choose to:
- Accept the penalty and pay the fine, or
- Challenge it in the Magistrates’ Court
If you opt for court, it becomes a formal legal proceeding. Be aware: if you lose, you could face higher fines and legal costs, so only proceed if you have strong evidence.
Parking Charge Notices – private land fines
These are issued by private parking companies for breaches of terms on private land (e.g. supermarket or retail park car parks). Despite similar wording, these are not legally the same as council PCNs. To appeal a privately issued PCN, you should first determine if the company is a member of an accredited trade association.
If the parking company is a member of a trade body:
Follow the parking company’s own appeals process. If your appeal is rejected, you can then escalate to:
Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) if a British Parking Association (BPA) member
Independent Appeals Service (IAS) if an International Parking Community (IPC) member
If the parking company is not a member of a trade body:
Write to the firm, politely explaining why you’re not paying and why you think it’s unfair. You can also follow the parking company’s own appeals process. However, some experts warn against this as they see it as acknowledging the validity of the ticket.
Whatever approach you decided to take, do not pay the fine if you intend to appeal, as payment may be considered an admission of liability. However, be aware that, if your appeal fails and you still don’t pay, the parking company may take you to County Court.
Tips for a successful appeal
- Take photographs of unclear signage, faulty machines, or any other relevant conditions.
- Keep records of all correspondence and notes of any conversations.
- Use organisations like Citizens Advice to assist with your appeal.
What if you want to take legal action?
You may have grounds to take legal action against a private parking company, especially if you believe the charge was issued unfairly or they behaved unlawfully.
You may have a legal case if:
- The ticket contained incorrect details (wrong date, location, or registration)
- Signage was unclear, missing, or misleading
- You were harassed or threatened, or chased unlawfully for payment
- The company violated your data rights (e.g. under UK GDPR)
- There’s misuse of ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology
- The ticket was issued unfairly, e.g. within a 10-minute grace period
- You experienced mitigating circumstances (e.g. a medical emergency or breakdown)
When legal action might be worthwhile
- You’ve exhausted the appeals process and believe the system failed you procedurally
- A parking company is harassing or threatening you unlawfully, especially if they misuse your personal data
- You’ve suffered financial or reputational damage due to misconduct by a private parking firm
- You’re facing a County Court claim and want to mount a defence or recover your own costs.
Can you join a parking fine group action?
While individual parking disputes are usually handled through appeals, repeated misconduct by a private parking company can open the door to legal action – including potential group litigation.
What counts as a pattern of misconduct?
A single unfair fine may be frustrating, but if multiple people experience similar issues, it can suggest a systemic problem. And, if many drivers are affected by the same practices, it may be possible to pursue a class action lawsuit against a parking company. For example, if there has been repeated data misuse.
What should you do if you want to challenge a parking fine?
Don’t feel pressured to pay a parking fine just because it’s easier. Many fines are issued incorrectly, and there are clear routes to challenge them, legally and fairly.
If you suspect you’ve been issued an unfair parking fine, especially if you believe others have been affected too:
- Go through the appeals process
- Keep all documentation – photos, letters, emails, and appeals
- Check for online reports or forums to see if others have faced the same issue
- Report the issue to Trading Standards or the Information Commissioner’s Office (for data concerns)
Join the Claim
At Join the Claim, we actively track group action legal claims – including those against private companies. Keep an eye on our website for emerging claims you might be able to join.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional before taking action based on the information provided. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or consequences resulting from actions taken based on the information in this blog.
