What Powers Do Car Park Management Companies Have (UK)?

Running a car park requires a lot more work than meets the eye. Whether you're setting up security measures, managing traffic flow, or issuing tickets, it can start to feel like a full-time job.

Partnering with a car park management company takes the burden off your shoulders. They'll manage everything needed to keep your car park running smoothly (and profitably), from maintaining ticket machines to monitoring CCTV. 

The only question? How much authority does a car park management company actually have?. Can they issue tickets and enforce parking rules, or is that still your responsibility? 

As experts in managing hundreds of car parks nationwide, Britannia Parking is well-positioned to answer this question. Below, we break down what powers car park management companies have and don't have when managing your car park.  

1. Issuing Parking Charge Notices

Car park management companies can enforce the rules displayed at the car park and issue Parking Charge Notices to drivers who violate the car park's terms and conditions. Common reasons for receiving a Parking Charge Notice include:

• Staying longer than the permitted time
• Failing to pay for parking
• Parking in a restricted area or a disabled space without a valid permit

To enforce these rules, companies use clear signage, ANPR cameras, and sometimes attendants to monitor the area and detect any breaches. 

It's important to note that a Parking Charge Notice is different from a Penalty Charge Notice. The latter is issued by local councils or the police for parking offences on public roads. Penalty Charge Notices are generally more expensive and allow appeals to a Traffic Adjudicator, while Parking Charge Notices are typically cheaper with fewer appeal options. You can learn more about the differences in our guide. 

2. Debt Recovery and Legal Action 

If a driver refuses to pay a Parking Charge Notice, the car park management company can take steps to recover the debt. This could include:

• If a driver refuses to pay a Parking Charge Notice, the car park management company can take steps Sending reminder letters and escalation notices
• Passing the debt to a collection agency
• Taking legal action through the small claims court to recover the amount

Parking Charge Notices issued by private companies are enforceable under civil law, not criminal law. However, if the company takes legal action and wins, the driver may be required to pay the charge along with any additional legal fees.

3. Appeal Processes

Most car park management companies, including Britannia Parking, are members of accredited trade associations like the British Parking Association (BPA) or the International Parking Community (IPC). These associations require their members to follow a code of practice and offer a formal appeals process for drivers who feel they've been unfairly issued a Parking Charge Notice, making it easier to deal with objections without handling the process entirely on your own. 

4. Vehicle Data Access

Car park management companies that are members of an accredited trade association, such as the BPA, are legally allowed to access vehicle ownership details from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). This lets them contact the vehicle owner directly if a Parking Charge Notice is issued. Companies that aren't accredited do not have the right to request this information.

Trust Britannia Parking for Hassle-Free Car Park Management

With the inconvenience and hassles of managing a car park? Let us handle it for you. As the UK's leading car park management company, we manage everything you need to keep your car park running smoothly - from issuing Parking Charge Notices to handling appeals and every other aspect of car park operations. No matter the size or location of your car park, you can count on us to make it the best it can be. 

Get in touch with our expert team to get started today!