Navigating a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) can be a stressful experience, especially if you believe it was issued unfairly. At Minster Baywatch, we understand the importance of transparency and clarity regarding parking enforcement. This guide explains what a Parking Charge Notice entails, outlines your rights as a motorist, and shows you how to appeal if you believe the charge was wrongly issued.
Minster Baywatch issues a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) as a civil notice—not a criminal fine—when it believes a vehicle has breached the terms and conditions of a privately managed car park. Common reasons for receiving a PCN may include:
Minster Baywatch operates under the guidelines set out by the British Parking Association (BPA) and complies with all legal and regulatory frameworks for private land parking enforcement.
It’s important to note that a Parking Charge Notice issued by Minster Baywatch differs from a Penalty Charge Notice issued by a local authority. People often confuse the two due to their similar abbreviations, but Minster Baywatch enforces regulations on private property, while councils typically issue Penalty Charges on public roads.
If you’ve received a PCN from Minster Baywatch, you have two primary options:
1. Pay the charge within the stated time frame (often with a discounted rate if paid early).
2. Appeal the charge if you believe it was issued in error or there are mitigating circumstances.
Whatever option you choose, it’s essential to act promptly. Ignoring a PCN could result in further action, including additional charges or debt collection procedures.
You may have valid grounds to appeal your PCN in several situations, including but not limited to:
Every case is unique, and Minster Baywatch considers each appeal based on the evidence provided.
Minster Baywatch provides two convenient methods for submitting your appeal:
You must provide complete and accurate information to ensure the decision-makers consider your appeal. This includes:
Please note: Incomplete or vague appeals cannot be assessed, and Minster Baywatch cannot process appeals via telephone.
Once the appeals team receives your appeal, they will place the PCN on hold while reviewing it, ensuring they take no further action while considering your case. Minster Baywatch aims to respond to all appeals within 28 days of receipt.
If you have supplied an email address, we will usually email you the correspondence regarding the outcome. To ensure you receive updates:
If your appeal is successful, we will cancel the Parking Charge. If we decline the appeal, we will inform you of the following steps, including your right to escalate the case to an independent appeals service.
If we do not uphold your appeal and you reside in England or Wales, you can escalate your appeal to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) — an independent body that reviews PCN disputes. We will provide full instructions on how to use POPLA in your rejection notice.
If you appeal within 14 days of receiving the Charge Notice and we reject your appeal, Minster Baywatch allows you a further 14 days from the date of their response to pay the charge at the discounted rate.
One of the most critical aspects of a successful appeal is the provision of robust evidence. Claims without documentation or proof are unlikely to result in cancellation. When submitting your appeal, consider including:
The appellant is responsible for ensuring all evidence is relevant, legible, and supports the appeal. For instance, if you state you were a customer at the time, include a receipt showing the date and time of purchase along with the location.
For legal and procedural reasons, Minster Baywatch does not handle PCN-specific queries or appeals by phone. All correspondence must be in writing through the official online form or post. This ensures a transparent and traceable record of all communications
Before appealing, we strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with your rights and obligations. Helpful resources include:
Being informed enables you to make a strong and well-reasoned appeal while protecting you from common misconceptions about private land parking enforcement.
Receiving a Parking Charge Notice from Minster Baywatch may feel daunting, but understanding the process and your rights can help you respond appropriately. Whether you choose to pay or appeal, acting promptly is essential. You improve your chances of a favourable outcome by providing complete details and relevant evidence.
Minster Baywatch is committed to handling all appeals fairly and keeping them in line with regulatory guidelines. If you believe we issued a charge in error, follow the structured appeal process clearly and provide supporting documentation. The appeals team will assess your case with diligence and impartiality.