The RAC has put forward suggestions for a change to private parking Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), with motorists backing a new name to avoid confusion with council-issued fines.
New research from the RAC reveals that half of drivers are unaware of the major differences between public parking fines and private parking charge notices, as they share the same acronym PCN.
Drivers Support Renaming
The RAC surveyed drivers confused by the acronym, asking what a Parking Charge Notice issued by private operators should be renamed. The results showed:
- 31% supported 'Private Parking Charge' (PPC)
- 19% backed 'Private Car Park Charge' (PCPC)
- 19% suggested 'Charge for Private Parking' (CPP)
- 14% proposed 'Invoice for Private Parking' (IPP)
- 16% were unsure
RAC Policy Director Comments
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "As there's so much confusion between the two PCN acronyms, drivers are very supportive of changing the name of private Parking Charge Notices to clear this up and help others understand the important legal difference."
He added: "This record figure says to us that something must be going badly awry, which is why the outcome of the Government's latest Private Parking Code of Practice consultation can't come soon enough. Drivers need to know they're being treated fairly whenever they use a private car park."
Key Differences Between Fines
Williams highlighted differences: "While the two private parking trade associations have set their industry PCNs at £100, they are regularly discounted by at least 40% for payment within 14 days. Fines issued by councils vary but are generally lower outside London and are all discounted by 50% for early payment."
He continued: "Another very important difference occurs after the 28-day appeal window has closed, when an unpaid private Parking Charge Notice is often increased by £70 to £170 with a letter from a debt collection company. The RAC is firmly against this practice as it's totally disproportionate to the alleged parking contravention."
This practice may explain why 36% of drivers surveyed for the RAC's annual Report on Motoring expressed concerns about the conduct of private parking companies when pursuing parking infringements.
