About Parking Charge Notices

Parking Charge Notices are issued by private car parking companies, if you have breached the terms and conditions of a private car park. They are different to parking tickets or Penalty Charge Notices which are issued by a local authority. The acronym is the same for both (PCN).

If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice you can find information on how to pay or appeal by visiting the NI Direct website.

How to avoid getting a Parking Charge Notice

  • Read the signs – Be sure to look for signage which confirms the length of time you are allowed to park, and other terms and conditions.
  • Park correctly – Parking Charge Notices are not just for over-staying. You can be ticketed for parking over the white lines.
  • Show your permits – If you are a permit-holder, or blue badge carrier, ensure it is clearly visible.
  • Check your registration – Ensure you enter the correct car registration in Pay and Display machines. Failure to do so will lead to a Parking Charge Notice even if you have paid the correct amount.
  • Do not use blue badge or permit holder spaces – Unless you have the permits to do so, parking in spaces for blue badge or permit holders may result in clamping as well as a Penalty Charge Notice; and 
  • Always keep your ticket – Just in case you receive a parking charge notice.
  • If you work in a retail park – If you are employed by a retailer within a privately managed car park/site, you may be exempt from paying parking charges if there is a parking scheme in place. Speak to your employer for further advice and to provide your registration details.
Private Parking

Appealing a Private Car Parking Notice

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to appeal a Parking Charge Notice and not have to pay it.