What happens if I don't pay a Parking Ticket?
First, check who issued it. A 'Penalty Charge Notice' (Council/Police) is a legal fine. A 'Parking Charge Notice' (Private Company) is just an invoice for breach of contract. They look the same on purpose.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
The Discount Period
If you pay within 14 days, the fine is usually reduced by 50% (e.g., £60 becomes £30). If you appeal during this time, the clock usually stops.
Full Payment Due
The discount is gone. You now owe the full amount. The owner sends a 'Notice to Owner' demanding payment.
Charge Certificate
For Council tickets, the fine increases by 50% (e.g., £60 -> £90). You can no longer appeal to the tribunal.
Order for Recovery
The debt is registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre (County Court). A £9 registration fee is added. Bailiffs will follow soon.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
See how a £60 ticket turns into a £400 bailiff bill. Check the timeline phases.
The Fine Escalator
See how a small fine grows if you ignore it. Choose your ticket type.
The cheapest option. If you accept you were wrong, pay now.
Discount lost. The registered keeper now gets a Notice to Owner.
Usually increases by 50%. You lose the right to appeal to the tribunal.
Order for Recovery issued. Bailiffs can visit your home and take goods.
Was the signage clear? Were you loading? Take the quiz to see your chances of winning an appeal.
Appeal Predictor
Does the sign say 'Penalty Charge' or 'Parking Charge'?
Council vs Private: The Golden Rule
Check who issued it.
Council/Police (Penalty Charge Notice): Legally enforceable. Do not ignore.
Private Company (Parking Charge Notice): Invoice for breach of contract. Harder for them to enforce, but do not ignore it completely since 2012 (Beavis case).
The 10-Minute Grace Period
Legally, you have a 10-minute grace period after your ticket expires in Council car parks. If the ticket was issued 5 minutes after your time ran out, appeal immediately.
Summary of Options
Appeal Immediately
If you have grounds (loading, signage unclear, broken machine), appeal. This stops the clock. If you lose, you usually get the 14-day discount offered again.
Private Ticket? Check the Signage
Private companies must have 'clear and visible' signage to form a contract. If the font is tiny or hidden, the contract might be void (BPA Code of Practice).
Ignore Council Ticket
Never do this. It leads to bailiffs. They DO NOT need to go to a hearing to send bailiffs for a Council ticket.
Common Questions
Do I have to name the driver?
For Council tickets: No, the Owner is liable. For Private tickets: They can pursue the 'Registered Keeper' if they don't know who the driver was (Protection of Freedoms Act 2012).
It was a private ticket. Shall I ignore it?
Old advice said 'ignore it'. New advice says 'Appeal it'. If you ignore it, they might take you to court (CCJ risk). Start by appealing to POPLA (for BPA members).
Can bailiffs enforce private tickets?
Only if they take you to court first and win a CCJ. They cannot just send bailiffs round like the Council can.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in fines & penalties .
What happens if I ignore a County Court claim form?
Ignoring a court claim is the fastest way to get a CCJ. You lose the right to defend yourself and the creditor can use bailiffs or take money from your wages immediately.
What happens if I'm taken to court for debt?
A Court Claim (CCJ) is serious, but you have 14 days to respond. Ignoring it guarantees you lose.
What happens if I don't pay my TV licence?
It is a criminal offence, but it is not a 'recordable' one. You face a fine of up to £1,000 (plus costs), but you CANNOT go to prison just for not paying.