Notice to Keeper and keeper liability (PoFA) explained

If you’ve received a Notice to Keeper from a private parking company, it means they want to hold the registered keeper of the vehicle responsible for a parking charge. This is covered by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, or PoFA. But there are strict rules for how these notices must be issued—and if they get it wrong, you can win. This guide explains how keeper liability under PoFA works, what evidence to gather and how to appeal.

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How keeper liability PoFA appeals work in the UK

Keeper liability PoFA applies UK-wide to private parking tickets where no driver was identified. If a private operator follows PoFA rules correctly, they can transfer the parking charge to the registered keeper of the vehicle. But many fail to meet these requirements.

Appeals in these cases depend on which trade body the operator belongs to:

– BPA members (like ParkingEye) → Appeal to POPLA: https://www.popla.co.uk

– IPC members → Appeal to IAS: https://theias.org

– If you’re unsure which scheme applies, check the parking company’s website, the Notice to Keeper letter, or ask FineFighter for help.

Important documents like the Notice to Keeper must follow specific requirements. For example, it must:

– Arrive within 14 days of the parking event (if by post and no windscreen ticket was issued)

– State the period of parking

– Give sufficient evidence

– Include mandatory wording from PoFA Schedule 4

Common reasons to win a keeper liability PoFA appeal include:

– The operator did not meet the 14-day timeframe

– Inadequate or unclear signage at the site

– Failure to mention PoFA or include required wording on the notice

– Charging the keeper when they had no legal right

– No grace period for arrival or departure

– Machine faults or app failures when paying

There is no public official portal for PoFA appeals—the process begins with the operator, then escalates to POPLA or IAS depending on affiliation.

APPEAL BODY:

Evidence checklist for UK-wide keeper liability PoFA cases

– Photos of signage and bay markings

– Timestamped photos of parking and return

– Receipts or app payment logs showing payment or attempts to pay

– Evidence of machine faults (e.g. error messages, support emails)

– Proof of a typo in registration (VRM) if that caused the fine

– Witness statements (helpful for medical or drop-off cases)

– Any letters or emails from the operator

– Screenshot of the PoFA text if the Notice to Keeper fails to follow it exactly

Step-by-step: appeal a keeper liability PoFA ticket

1. Informal challenge

– Submit directly to the parking operator within 28 days of date on Notice to Keeper

– Include evidence and specific PoFA errors if identified

– Keep a copy and send via tracked post or email for proof

2. Formal appeal

– If rejected and the operator is with BPA or IPC, you’ll get a code to appeal to POPLA or IAS

– BPA (POPLA): You have 28 days to appeal

– IPC (IAS): Appeal typically via their portal within 21 days

3. Tribunal / POPLA / IAS

– Your appeal will be assessed by an independent adjudicator

– Provide clear statement + evidence

– Expect a decision within 35 days in most cases

Deadlines:

– Discounted amount (typically £60): pay within 14 days

– Full charge (e.g. £100): challenged within 28 days

– If paid, you usually cannot appeal later. Don’t pay if you want to appeal.

Unlike council appeals, there is no separate public tribunal for private tickets. Everything goes through POPLA or IAS.

Examples that often win in the UK

Example 1: Notice to Keeper issued late

The Notice to Keeper arrived 19 days after the parking event and no windscreen ticket was issued.

Appeal phrase: The operator failed to issue the Notice to Keeper within 14 days, as required by PoFA Schedule 4.

Example 2: Signage unclear or missing

A driver parked in a poorly lit area with no readable signs displaying terms or charges.

Appeal phrase: No compliant signage was visible at the entrance or bay, breaching BPA/IPC Code of Practice.

Example 3: Paid but recorded wrongly

The keeper paid via app but entered a digit wrong in the registration.

Appeal phrase: The vehicle was paid for, but the minor VRM error does not justify the charge under fairness or PoFA.

Example 4: No reference to PoFA

The Notice to Keeper made no mention of PoFA or transfer of liability.

Appeal phrase: The notice fails to meet PoFA Schedule 4 requirements and keeper liability cannot be established.

Example 5: Short time parked, within grace

The vehicle left after 9 minutes due to full parking and no space.

Appeal phrase: The stay was under 10 minutes and within the BPA grace period, so no charge applies.

FAQ’s

What does keeper liability mean under PoFA?

It means the registered keeper of the vehicle can be held legally responsible for a private parking charge—even if they weren’t driving—if strict rules are followed.

Do I lose the 14-day discount if I appeal?

Many private operators freeze the lower rate during the appeal period. Others don’t. Always check the wording on your letter.

What’s the deadline to respond to a Notice to Keeper?

You have 28 days from the issue date to respond or appeal. But act sooner if you want to keep the discounted rate.

What evidence do I need to appeal successfully?

Photos of signage, payment records, and showing where the operator broke PoFA rules are all critical. Use our checklist above.

Who decides my appeal?

First the parking company. If rejected, then POPLA (BPA members) or IAS (IPC members) provide independent adjudication.

What happens if I ignore a Notice to Keeper?

The charge may increase, and some operators escalate to debt collectors or start legal proceedings. Ignoring is risky.

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