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Parking fines: Frequently asked questions

Here you can find some of our frequently asked questions regarding parking fines.

What is a Penalty Charge Notice?

When we issue parking tickets in our car parks they are called “Penalty Charge Notices”.

Not all local authorities issue parking penalties under the same government legislation. In Dudley Penalty Charge Notices are issued within the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Enforcement of Penalty Charge Notices take place through the civil justice system.

How do I avoid a Penalty Charge?

  • Display your pay & display tickets and permits clearly. A Civil Enforcement Officer must be able to read the details. Check your ticket/permit from the outside of the vehicle before leaving.

  • Ensure your ticket or permit is valid for the whole length of your stay.

  • Look for, read and follow instructions on permanent and temporary signs and surface markings.

  • Do not park in a space designated for a motorcycle or a Blue Badge holder.

  • Ensure your entire vehicle is inside the bay markings (between two lines) – it is an offence not to do so. This also applies to disabled badge holders. Do not park in aisles or on yellow lines.

What should I do if I get a Penalty Charge?

Do not ignore it.

If you don't pay or submit an appeal against the Charge within 14 days you will have to pay the full Penalty Charge instead of the discounted amount. If you don't think you should have received a Charge, you can appeal against it.

Don't argue with the parking attendant if you receive a Penalty Charge. You may request they record your comments, but the officer cannot cancel or "tear up" a Penalty Charge.

How do I pay my Penalty Charge?

You can pay online, by phone, by post or in person. Read about how to pay a Penalty Charge.

How do I cut the cost of my Charge?

Pay within 14 days and your Charge is at the discount rate. The amount to pay will be printed on the Penalty Charge Notice. If you're paying by mail, please ensure you leave time for delivery. You will be responsible if your payment is delayed for any reason.

How do I appeal against my fine?

Read about how to appeal against an Penalty Charge. Please note that you can't challenge your parking fine by telephone. If we accept your reasons, we will cancel the notice. If not, you may be allowed another 14 days from the date of our reply to pay the Charge at discounted rate. After this the full Penalty Charge amount will be due.

Can I pay the fine in instalments?

No, you must pay the full amount.

In cases of severe financial hardship we may use our discretion on receipt of a request. This must be provided in writing. You should explain your circumstances and supply documents to support your request.

Do I get a reminder?

We are not required to send a reminder.

After 28 days from the issue of the Penalty Charge it remains unpaid, a letter will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. This letter serves as a reminder that the Charge remains unpaid. It also gives the owner the opportunity to make a representation.

What to do if...

My vehicle broke down

A parking attendant may not be able to tell that your vehicle has broken down. If you receive a Penalty Charge due to this, make an appeal and include proof your vehicle required work. This could be a garage invoice or work sheet.

I lost my car keys

Report the loss to the Police and get a lost property number. Describe what happened in your appeal and quote your lost property number.

I had a medical emergency

Explain in your appeal the situation and include a document from the hospital or doctor as proof.

My appointment overran at the dentist, doctor or meeting

You are responsible for making sure you have paid for enough parking time. You must pay the Charge.

I thought I was legally parked, but I made a mistake

You must pay the Charge. It is your responsibility to read and obey the signs and markings.

I didn't receive a parking ticket on my vehicle

Write to us. We will check the evidence held for the case. This could include digital photos of your vehicle and the parking attendant's notes taken at the time the Penalty Charge was issued. When we have investigated we will let you know our decision.

The vehicle is owned by a hire/lease company

If you are an employee of a hire/lease company, send us a copy of the rental agreement in which the hirer has accepted liability for parking penalties. If you were driving a hired or leased car, you are responsible for paying the Penalty Charge.

I am the owner of the vehicle but not the driver

You must either pay the Charge or provide us with the full name and address of the driver or person responsible.

I am the driver of the vehicle but not the owner

If you were driving at the time the Penalty Charge was issued, you must either pay or appeal against the Charge. If you do not do so within 28 days the owner of the vehicle becomes responsible.

Further information

Fixed Penalty Notices

We have responsibility for most on street parking violations. However the police can also issue Fixed Penalty Notices for certain offences. These could include footway parking and obstruction.

Further information on the role of West Midlands Police can be found on their website.

Avoid penalties by keeping your owners' records up-to-date

If you sell your vehicle, it is your legal responsibility to update your ownership records and to notify the DVLA. If you don't, you will be responsible for any parking penalties.

What is a season ticket (parking permit)?

Season Tickets are not valid on Short Stay car parks. A season ticket is a parking ticket which allows you to park in the Long Stay off-street car parks without purchasing a pay and display ticket. There are large savings in purchasing a season ticket. In most cases a season ticket is cheaper if you park for more than 150 days a year in our car parks. You also have the added convenience of not needing the correct change when parking.

Pay and display parking

  • If you plan to park in a pay and display space, make sure you have plenty of change.

  • Follow the instructions on the pay machine and check all coins have been accepted before taking a ticket.

  • Read the information on your printed ticket to see when it expires. Then leave yourself time to get back to your vehicle before the expiry time. Use the adhesive backing on the ticket to display it on the inside of your windscreen. Check that it's firmly fixed. Non adhesive tickets should be clearly displayed on the dashboard.

  • If a pay and display machine is not working, either park somewhere else or use another machine in the same car park. If none of the machines in the car park are working leave a note on your vehicle and report the fault as soon as possible by telephoning 0300 555 2345.

  • Pay & display tickets are not transferable between car parks.

  • Pay & display tickets are not transferable between vehicles.

Can I use my Blue Badge on Pay & Display car parks?

Yes, but certain restrictions apply.

Our Pay & Display car parks allow for free parking up to 3 hours on Short Stay car parks and free parking for all day on Long Stay car parks. Marked Bays must be used and the named badge holder must be in the vehicle.

The Blue Badge needs to be displayed on the dashboard or fascia panel of the vehicle with the front of the badge facing forward. All relevant details must legible from outside of the vehicle.

On Short Stay car parks the parking disc (clock) must be displayed and set to show the time of arrival.

The Blue Badge Scheme does not apply on private roads or on off-street car parks.

Question not answered?

If you could not find the answer to your question please contact us

Telephone: 0300 555 2345

Parking Management
Lister Road Depot
Dudley
DY2 8JW

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm
Closed on weekends and bank holidays.