Airport PCN: What If the Registered Keeper Was Not the Driver?

Keeper and driver are different roles

The driver is the person who used the vehicle at the time. The registered keeper is the person recorded on the V5C. A private parking notice sent to the keeper does not prove who was driving.

This distinction is central to many airport PCN appeals. If the operator does not know who drove, it may try to use PoFA to transfer liability to the keeper.

Why PoFA matters

PoFA can allow private parking companies to pursue the registered keeper, but only if the notice, timing and land conditions are met. If those conditions are missing, the keeper may be able to dispute liability.

Common issues include late notices, missing statutory wording and locations that may not be relevant land. Airport land often needs particular attention because byelaws may apply.

Why airport byelaws matter

Some airport roads, drop-off zones and car parks are subject to statutory control. If the land is not relevant land under PoFA, keeper liability may be unavailable even if the notice was sent to the registered keeper.

The operator may still say the charge is owed, but it should explain the legal basis for pursuing the keeper where the driver has not been named.

Be careful with appeal wording

If you are appealing as keeper, avoid wording that identifies the driver by accident. Phrases such as "I parked" or "I drove through" can weaken a keeper appeal. Use neutral wording about the vehicle and the notice instead.

ParkingBear is built around registered keeper appeals for airport PCNs. It asks for the details needed to produce a letter without asking you to identify the driver.