A Penalty Charge Notice from a local council or Transport for London is issued under civil enforcement powers. Ignoring it can lead to bailiffs. There is a formal appeals route through the traffic tribunal, and paying within 14 days usually halves the fine.
A private parking charge notice from a company like ParkingEye or Euro Car Parks is a civil invoice — not a fine. They can only pursue you through the county court, and only if they can show reasonable grounds. There's an appeals process via POPLA or IAS.
Never ignore a court claim, whether council or private. A County Court Judgment for even a small parking charge will appear on your credit file for six years unless paid within 30 days of judgment.
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