Caught Off Guard: How to Protect Yourself from Car Park Fine Scams
Don’t Get Fined for Playing by the Rules
You park your car, buy a valid ticket, and leave within the time limit—job done, right? Not always. A growing number of drivers are receiving unfair or fake parking fines, even after following all the rules. In many cases, these fines come from unregulated or privately managed car parks, and the goal isn’t to uphold parking rules—it’s to profit from confusion and intimidation.
But there are simple things you can do to protect yourself—and your wallet.
The Scam: When Car Parks Don’t Play Fair
Some private car parks issue penalty notices that look official but aren’t legally enforceable in the same way council-issued tickets are. In other cases, real tickets are given out unfairly, hoping the driver won’t challenge them or lacks proof. Even when you did everything right—paid and displayed, stayed within the lines—you may still find a threatening letter on your windscreen, or one in the post weeks later.
The goal? To pressure you into paying fast, with warnings about rising fees or legal action if you dare to contest it.
Your Best Defence: Snap Everything
To protect yourself from these unfair tactics, treat every car park visit like a possible dispute. Here’s how:
- Take a Photo of Your Ticket (On Display)
- As soon as you place your ticket on your dashboard or windscreen, take a clear photo showing the time, date, and any printed details.
- This confirms that the ticket existed and was properly displayed.
- Take a Photo Showing Your Ticket + Car Reg Plate
- Stand back and include the ticket in the window and your car’s number plate in one shot. This proves the ticket belongs to your vehicle.
- Photograph the Car Park and Bay
- Snap the sign showing the name of the car park and terms & conditions.
- Also take a picture of your car clearly parked within bay lines, showing you followed all posted rules.
Keep these images in your phone or cloud for at least a month.
What If You Still Get a Fine?
If a fine shows up later, don’t panic—and don’t throw away your photos.
- Respond Promptly: Most notices give you 14 or 28 days to appeal.
- Submit Your Evidence: Include your photos and explain why the fine is invalid.
- Don’t Be Intimidated: If you appeal within the time limit, they can’t raise the fine amount, even if you lose the appeal.
- Know Your Rights: Private companies cannot force you to pay without first taking legal action—and they often rely on people paying out of fear, not legal obligation.
Final Thought: Confidence Is Your Best Tool
Scammers—and scam-like car park operators—rely on panic, confusion, and quick compliance. But with clear proof and a calm approach, you can challenge any false claim.
So next time you park, pause for a moment. Take those quick photos and give yourself peace of mind. If a fine does appear, you’ll have the evidence you need—and the confidence to push back.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe.